
Photo, by N. D. MORGAN, Norwich, Conn. 



THE 



3Iethodist Episcopal Churches 

OF 

NORWICH, COm$. 



BY 

KEY. EDGAR F. CLAEK, A. M. 



NORWICH: 
1867. 



.IV? Cs 



^ t b o 4- 4 



CONTEXTS. 



PAGE 

Preface ra 

Introduction 1 

Methodism Organized 13 

History of Xorthuh North Church . . . . 22 

History of M. E. Church on AVharf-Bridg-e . . 53 

History of Sachem Street Church . . . . 61 

History of Main Street Church 89 

History of Greenville M. E. Church .... 144 

History of the Free Church 152 

Conclusion 203 

Appendix A 215 

Appendix B 233 

Appendix C • 248 



PKEFACE. 



This Work is not committed to the press with the 
expectation of reaping a literary or pecuniary harvest. 
Written under the pressure of ministerial duties, it is 
designed to save from oblivion the early history oi 
Methodism in this city, and transcribe from the few 
remaining pillars of the churches, the inscriptions 
which otherwise will soon be irrecoverable. We de- 
sire hereby to return our hearty acknowledgments to 
all who have assisted, by pen or information, in the 
success of the undertaking, and especially to Rev. and 
Mrs. David ST. Bentley, by whose munificence and aid 
the publication of the work has been indemnified. 
Children of a generation long since past, may their 
exodus to God be as glorious as their lives have been 
devoted. To the Methodists of Norwich, on earth 
and in heaven, is the Work affectionately dedicated 
by the 

Author. 



LIST OF THE DONORS 

OF 

MAIN STREET METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

FOR CENTENAEY OBJECTS. 1839. 



William Callyhan, 
Levi Perry, 
Elihu M. Frazier, 
James G. Dolbeare, 
Abby Dolbeare, 
Henry Shepard, 
Julia Hyde, 
Almira Shepard, 
Mary Whiting, 
Caroline B. Rix, 
James M. Stewart, 
Ebenezer Fuller, 
David G. Bentley, 
Arabel W. Bentley, 
Henry Hanson, 
Rebecca P. Arnold, 
Harriet E. Capron, 
Reuben Harris, 
N. P. Potter, 
William W. Holdrich, 
L. W. Rogers, 
John A. Robinson, 
Thomas Brown, 
Yashti Clark, 
Charlotte Day, 
Sarah A. Roath, 
Mary Dorchester, 
Abby A. Culver, 
Lucy A. Howard, 
Ellen K. Richards, 



Sarah E. Wilcox, 
Mary R. Cook, 
Ann M. Chapman, 
Phebe A. Pendleton, 
Sarah E. Hyde, 
Martha Roath, 
Ruth A. Gore, 
David C. Fuller, 
Sarah A. Fuller, 
George D. Fuller, 
Rachel Van Cott, 
Albert Weldon, 
Andrew J. Bently, 
Chauncy C. Franklin, 
Joseph Chapman, 
George E. Harkuess, 
George H. Pool. 
Sarah J. Chapman, 
Caroline Bently, 
Sally Hopkins, 
J. B. Trueman, 
Nahum Fay, 
Sarah Harris, 
P. Tan Cott, 
Betsey Osborn, 
Patience Babcock, 
Aaron C. Southwick, 
Eldridge G. Allen, 
H. Allen, 

Thomas Kinney, Jr., 



Isabella Hubbard, 
Mary Wilbur, 
Rebecca Champiin, 
Abby Marsh, 
Hannah Cranston, 
Louisa Holdrich, 
Mary Cranston, 
Ann Watrous, 
Downer Ladd, 
Esther E. Ladd, 
Caroline Tryon, 
Electa Lummis, 
Hannah Johnson, 
Susan M. Allen, 
Edna Geer, 
Sarah Dennison, 
Asenath Babcock, 
Sally M. Swinerton, 
Henrietta Tan Cott, 
Jane Watrous, 
Daniel Dorchester, 
Joseph Carter, 
James Buddington, 
Charles Buddington, 
Emily J. Witter, 
Abby Gore, 
Charlotte Carter, 
Emily Godfrey, 
Elizabeth D. Periyy 
Alonzo Fay, 
Abby L. Congdon, 
John Perkins, 
Hannah Cranston, 
William Trench, 
Edward A. Manning, 
Maria Crawley, 
Nancy Babcock, 



viii 

Nancy Haywood, 
Henrietta H. Trueman, 
Henrietta Trueman, 
Mary Johnson, 
Harriet Brownson, 
Betsey Brewster, 
Christopher C. Thompson, 
Ward B. Gleason, 
Park Brewster, 
Alfred Gleason, 
Sylvia A. Burdick, 
Angeline B. Rathburne, 
Albert W. Ladd, 
Betsey Chapman, 
Elizabeth R. Bently, 
Wealthy A. Watrous, 
Sarah H. Dorchester, 
Elizabeth Dorchester, 
Mary L. Carter, 
Harriet R. Barnes, 
Philip R. Hyde, 
George M. Loomis, 
George Hebard, 
Alfred Hebard, 
William M. Sheparcl, 
John S. Barnes, 
Simeon D. Chapman, 
Enoch F. Chapman, 
Otis F. Cole, 
Charles Cranston. 
Elizabeth Cranston, 
Mary E. Watrous, 
Lucy E. Wilkie, 
Mary H. Bently, 
Sally Robinson, 
Phebe A. Fay. 



A PARTIAL HISTORICAL LIST OF OFFICERS 

IX THE 

M. E. CHURCHES OF NORWICH. 



Stewards. 



Adams. Henry A., 


Fellows, Joshua E., 


Allen, Charles H., 


Frazier, Elihu M., 


Annis, William H, 


Frazier. William, 


Armstrong, Aaron. 


Frazier, Thomas M!., 




Fuller, Jesse, 


Bentley, David X.. 




Bentley. George P., 


Gardner, U. S., 


Bowen, John. 


Gifford. Erin. 


Brady. John G., 


Griffing, Jeremiah. 


Brewer, J. M.. 




Brewster, Patrick, 


Hill, Edwin, 




Hopkins, Charles W. 


Callyhan, "William, 


Hopkins. Joseph 0., 


Carrier, Alvan C, 


Hull, Peleg, 


Carrier, Titus, 


Hunt. F. W.. 


Carter, Samuel, 


Hurlburt. F. B., 


Case. George, 


Hurlburt, Wait. 


Chapman, Enoch C, 


Hurlburt, William, 


Cobb, Amos E., 


Hyde, James, 


Cole, Frederick, 




Crosby, Hiram, 


Ireson, Franklin, 


Crowell, Zadoc C, 




Currier, J. M., 


Jennings, James, 


Davis, Samuel A.. 


Kendall, John, 


Dennis, Jared D., 


Kingsley, A. W.. 



Eldredge, David P., 



Leach, Henry W. ; 



X 



Lee, Henry P., 
Leffingwell, G-eorge E., 
Lewis, TV. B., 

Manning, Asa, 
Maples, Joshua, 
Maples, Joshua, Jr., 
Mitchell, Thomas, 
Mitchell, John, 

Nickerson, Joseph, 

Palmer, H. C, 
Palmer, William B., 
Park, Albert F., 
Pendleton, David, 
Perkins, John, 



Adams, Henry A., 
Allen, Elbridge G., 

Beckwith, Oliver, 
Bentley, David G., 
Bentley, David N., 
Bentley, George R, 
Bentley, Lorenzo D., 
Bill, Amos W., 
Billings, E., 
Boon, E. Gr.j 
Brady, John G.. 
Brewster, Albert, 
Buell, Joshua B., 

Calkins, E. M., 
Callyhan, William, 
Carrier, Alvan A., 



Perry, John, 
Perry, John B., 
Pierce, A. D., 
Pierce, Elmore, 
Pratt, Caleb, 

Seaman, David H., 
Standish, Nathan, 
Stead, Owen, 
Strickland, W. A., 

Toomey, David, 

Whetmore, George, 
Wilbur, John, 
Woodward, Daniel J. 



Class-Leaders. 

Carrier, Titus, 
Case, George, 
Cole, Frederick, 
Collins, Warren, 
Corning, A., 
Cox, John Q., 
Cox, William T., 
Covell, Thomas S., 
Cranston, Richmond, 

Dennis, Jerod G., 

Fellows, Joshua A., 
Fuller, Jesse W., 

Gardner, Ulysses S., 
Gifford, Erin, 



xi 



Hopkins, Joseph 0., 
Huntington, Simon, 

Jennings, James, 

Kendall, John, 
Kim on, Joseph, 
Kingsley, Charles, 

Lamphere, William, 
Lewis, M. P., 

Manning, Asa, 
Manning, Edward A., 

Xoyes, Richard, 



Pendleton, David, 
Perkins, John, 
Perry, John B., 

Sherman, John, 
Standish, Nathan, 
Stead, Owen, 

Tourtelotte, James P., 
Trench, William, 
Truman, J. B., 

Warren, Albert G., 
Wildman. Russell. 



Sunday School Superintendents. 



Barnes, John, 


Hurlburt, William, 


Beaumont, Ingham, 




Brewster, Albert, 


Kingsley, William, 


Carrier, Alvan C, 


Leach, Henry W., 


Carrier, Titus, 


Lewis, Maxson P., 


Congdon, Charles, 




Cox, W. T., 


Manning, Asa, 


Crowell, Zadok C, 


Manning, Edward A. : 


Dennis, Jared G., 


Peck, John H., 


Dennison, Charles, W., 


Perkins, John, 




Perry, John B., 


Fellows, Joshua A., 




Puller, Jesse W., 


Trueman, John B., 


Gardner, Ulysses S., 


Upham, Xehemiah, 


Gifford, Erin, 






Wildman, RusselL 


Hopkins, Joseph 0., 



xii 



Adams, J. A., 

Bentley, David G., 
Bentley, David 1ST., 
Bentley, Lorenzo D., 
Blackmer, John, 
Brown, Henry, 

Carrier, James M., 
Cooley, Horace, 

Dennison, J. B., 
Dorchester, Daniel, Jr., 



Exhorters. 

Godfrey, Orlando, 
Noyes, Richard, 
Swan, S. B., 

Trench, William, 
Yaughan, Ariel, 

Warren, Albert G. 



Local 

Bentley, David N"., 
Bentley, George R., 
Bentley, Lorenzo D., 
Blackmer, John, 
Blancliard, John F., 
Brierley, James, 
Brownson, Hector, 

Dorchester, Daniel, Jr., 

Ely, Thomas, 

Fillmore, Comfort D., 
Fillmore, Jehiel, 

Gardner, Austin, 

Hoyt F. S., 
Huntington, Simon, 



Preachers. 

Hyde, Edward, 
Hyde, James, 

Kingsley, Augustus W., 

Lamberton, Sewall, 

May, George, 
Park, Albert F., 

Smith, James S., 
Standish, John G., 

Thatcher, Hezekiah, 

Warren, A. G , 
Whear, John. 



CHAPTEE I. 



INTRODUCTION. 

The Centenary Year of American Methodism 
is replete with grateful memories. The web of 
time-honored associations has been strengthened 
and extended, until there is not a city, scarcely a 
town, within the United States, which is not vocal 
with the voices of the Past, calling her children to 
visit the tomb of the Fathers of transatlantic Ar- 
minianism, and borrow thence the treasures that 
shall adorn and bless the Future. 

The Norwich of to-day is under imperial obli- 
gations to her Puritanic founders and ancestors, for 
a high moral and religious cultus. That her former 
pastors were possessed of talent and influence, is 
sufficiently evinced by their prolonged pastorships, 
which find few parallels in New England, and 
reflect the highest credit on both preacher and 
people. The Church of Dr. Arms, in this, as well 
as many other respects, is " sui generis," and pre- 
sents a proud instance of elective conservation 
amid the growing and capricious fickleness of the 
times. 

Yet it can hardly be denied that the introduc- 
tion of other evangelical churches has been produc- 
tive of signal advantage, not only to their respective 
l 



2 



INTRODUCTION. 



communicants, but also to the faith and worship- 
ing practice of the original denomination. The 
character of the preaching has undergone great 
changes for the better, which is not more true of 
this city than of others. The sermons of early 
times were marked by sincerity, unequivocal expo- 
sition of doctrine, and reverence for divine auto- 
cracy. But the following may indicate a distinctive 
which formerly discounted the motive effects of the 
discourses of the Sanctuary. 

It is taken from the Weekly Register of this 
city, Dec. 25, 1792, entitled, "A Hint to the 
Clergy," and is signed by " Religious Enquirer." 
The writer says : u Having observed the advantages 
the community derive from the preaching and 
pious examples of the clergy, in producing good 
neighbors, good subjects to government, and indus- 
trious people, I have a high estimation for them. 
Yet there is one thing of more importance to indi- 
viduals than any thing else, which, as far as my 
knowledge extends among the clergy, seems much 
overlooked by them ; w T hether it is from the nature 
of the subject being entirely unintelligible, or from 
their amazing neglect, is to me unknown. This, 
however, is the fact, that the road to the celestial 
mansion is very obscurely pointed out by them. 
It is not uncommon for the same preacher, and in 
the same sermon, to tell the audience they must do, 
and they cannot do ; that they must go to God for 
salvation, and they cannot ; that it is in the power 



LNTEODUCTTOX. 



3 



of all mankind to be saved if they would, and if 
they are not all saved it is their own fault, and yet 
that no one not elected can be saved, and a few 
only are of the elect. 

" How these seeming contradictions are reconcil- 
able, is to me unknown. Perhaps some gentleman 
of the clergy will undertake to reconcile them and 
make the matter plain to every understanding. If 
they cannot, perhaps they will either deny the fact 
or confess they have undertaken to explain what is 
equally unintelligible to all. 

" These propositions are certainly true : either all 
mankind can be saved, or they cannot ; either there 
are certain conditions, on which salvation is offered 
to all mankind, that are in their power to comply 
with, or there are not. If the Saviour has purchas- 
ed unconditional salvation for all mankind, or only 
a part, then whatever use a man may make of his 
agency, it will not alter the matter, and he is saved 
or damned according to the sovereign will of Om- 
nipotence. If this be the case, tell us plainly that 
a man's conduct in this world can have no effect on 
his happiness or misery in a state of future existence. 
6 Deny not fact for fear of consequences,' c Do not 
evil that good may come.' But if, on the other 
hand, there are certain conditions, on which salva- 
tion depends, that are in the power of all to comply 
with, let them be clearly and plainly pointed out ; 
for, if the conditions are inexplicable, or are such as 
we are incapable of complying with, the conse- 



4 



INTRODUCTION. 



aaences are the same as unconditional salvation or 
damnation. Were the conditions on which salva- 
tion is offered to mankind explicitly pointed out, 
the preacher would have little more to do than to 
enforce the motives to compliance. Was this once 
completely explained, theology ivoidd he reduced* to 
simplicity, and I should learn with facility what a 
few, if any, have ever heard in this life." 

The above quotation hints at a feature of the 
then current preaching, which has disappeared 
none too soon from its prominence, to be succeeded 
by more of the practical and experimental. 

To say that this reticence or " change of base" 
has wholly resulted from Methodism, is an assump- 
tion too erroneous to command attention. To 
suggest that she has administered a prominent in- 
strumentality toward this status, few will be dis- 
posed to deny. Methodism in its inceptive history 
scarcely deserves the significancy of u sect." That 
which stamped it, was not schism, nor doctrine, but 
activity in religious action, and deep spiritual expe- 
rience. It is well known to history that the great 
Eevival, called " Wesleyan," in deference to its 
most illustrious promoter, was not denominational 
in design ; nor, in fact, until after a period of several 
years. Nonconformist and Churchman, Arminian 
and Calvinist, labored as coadjutors in that great 
awakening. To-day, when the Calvinist Method- 
ists of Wales are mentioned, the modern discrepancy 
is irreconcilable only to such as are not conversant 



INTRODUCTION. 



5 



with the progress of the movement in that country. 
Congregationalism in this republic owes much of 
her modern life and growth to the impetus received 
from that morning, but Calvinistic star of Method- 
ism, Whitefield, whose funeral sermon was preach- 
ed by Wesley. Such of the early converts as were not 
Arminian in doctrine, fell to the regular churches, 
for the most part, while the Arminian converts 
of England and America, composing, in a brief 
period, the strength of the reformers, grew at 
length into a separate organization, whose influence 
has been felt throughout the world ; modifying 
theology, influencing experience, and vitalizing the 
energies of Anglican and American Protestantism. 
Norwich would have been a glaring exception to 
the general rule, had she remained unaffected, amid 
the surrounding modulations. A glance at the 
past and present suffices to convince the most 
skeptical, that stagnation in doctrine, or in doctrinal 
presentation, can never stigmatize the " Eose of 
Xew England/' During the late revival of this 
city, what Arminian could ask for more ; what 
Calvinist for less { It is no common glory for Pu- 
ritanism to boast that her tenets are practically 
relieved of their former repugnance to action and 
reason. And may not the hope be cherished that 
the day is nearing, when, practically and cordially. 
the evangelical churches shall be a unit in bringing 
the world to Christ, and paving the way for the 
kingdom of God \ 



CHAPTEE II. 



INTRODUCTION OF METHODISM. 

Commencing in New York, the Methodism of 
America spread over the Middle, and penetrated 
the Southern States, before it had obtained in New 
England. 

The first Methodist preachers in this section 
were Revs. Cornelius Cook and William Black. 
The former is known to have preached at JSTorwalk, 
of this State, in 1787. Methodism was "held 
forth" in Sharon, Ct., the same year, where a society 
was formed the year following."* In 1789, a new 

* See Connecticut Historical Collections, p. 493. If this society 
was regularly organized, it must have preceded that formed at 
Stratfield, Sept. 26, 1789, which is reported to have been the first 
society formed in Connecticut. Is it not probable the discrepancy 
may be reconciled by supposing the society did not continue long, 
in the same way as the " first " society was said to have been 
formed at Boston in Aug., 1792, although Rev. William Boardman, 
one of the first Methodist preachers who came to this country, 
''preached andformed a small society in 1771 "? Or is the term 
"Society" used in different senses, since the "Conn. Historical 
Collections " records, notwithstanding its assertion respecting 
Sharon, that "the first Methodist society in New England was 
formed by the Rev. Jesse Lee, Sept. 26, 1789," at Stratfield? 
(See p. 4L3.) Rev. Aaron Hunt affirms that a small class at Stam- 
ford. Ct., synchronizes with that at" Sharon. 

Rev. Cornelius Cook commenced itinerating in 1787. He died 
suddenly of the yellow fever at New York City, in 1789. Rev. 



INTRODUCTION OF METHODISM. 



7 



circuit, the first in New England, was established 
in this State, called at first " Stamford," afterward 
" Reading." To this circuit, Revs. Jesse Lee and 
Andrew Van Xostrand were appointed, but the 
latter never traveled upon the circuit. The former 
entered upon his duties June IT, 1789, at isor- 
walk, upon which date he preached " the first " 
Methodist sermon in that place, by an appointed 
ministry. So great was the prejudice, that not 
even a house could be procured ! ! " Every person 
was afraid to give liberty." Accordingly, going 

William Black is recorded to have preached in Boston, Oct., 1784, 
but the light esteem in which Methodists were held influenced 
most of the converts to seek communion in other denominations. 
His labors in this State are little known. 

The following are the dates of the first Methodist sermons 
preached at various towns within this State, by the regular min- 
istry : 









" 21st, " 








Dec. 7 th, " 


Hartford 


" 9th. " 


Tolland 


April 2d. 1790. 




" 3d, " 




" 7th, " 


Suffield 


" 9th, " 




« 11th, " 




" 22d, " 




li 29th, " 




June 24th. " 



Wintonbury was formerly a parish in Windsor, but has now 
substituted the name of Bloomfield. 



8 



INTRODUCTION OF METHODISM. 



into the street, lie sang, prayed, and " preached to 
a decent congregation." This new circuit com- 
prised ISTorwalk, Fairfield, Stratford, Milford, New 
Haven, Derby, Newtown, Reading, Dan bury, and 
Canaan, with intermediate places. It is recorded 
that " many people flocked to hear the Word, and 
sometimes they felt it ; but men and women were 
so fond of disputation about peculiar sentiments, 
that they seldom left the place after preaching 
without having some dispute w T ith the preacher." 

The first Methodist Meeting-house in New 
England was built near the upper edge of Strat- 
field (Easton, Ct.), 1797, and was long known by 
the name of " Lee's Chapel."* According to Dr. 
Heman Bangs, " Mr. Lee said one day to the con- 
gregati on after preaching, that if they had a meeting- 
house, they should have Sunday preaching. They 
took the hint. One gave timber ; some took oxen 
and drew it to the spot ; some went to scoring, and 
some to hewing the timber, and they framed, raised, 
and finished it about in the same way without much 
concert or plan." 

The first Society that was ever formed upon 
this circuit was at Stratfielcl, Sept. 26, 1789. 
Stratfield is now known as Bridgeport, and was 
formerly a parish in Stratford. Here, Mr. Lee 

* The first Methodist meeting-house in Rhode Island was 
erected at Warren, 1794; in Massachusetts, at Lynn, 1791, dedi- 
cated in ]ess than ten weeks from the day the foundation was laid ; 
in Maine, at Readfield. 1794. 



INTRODUCTION OF METHODISM. 



9 



states, " a kind of class-meeting" was held, which 
paved the way for the organization of a class on 
the following day. The Society was composed of 
three women, Misses Ruth Hall, Mary Hall, sisters, 
and Ruth Wells. They all continued faithful until 
death, and their last moments were characterized 
by peace or triumph. 

The second Class was formed at Reading, Dec. 
28th, of the same year, consisting of one man, Mr. 
Aaron Sandibrd, and one woman, Mrs. Hawley, 
his wife's mother. This was, however, a notable 
class, for in a short time, the first man, his brother, 
and a lawyer, Samuel S. Smith, became ministers. 

Thus the tireless and undaunted Lee pursued 
his labors among a people who seemed to have en- 
tertained little friendly feeling for the tenets of 
Methodism. His first appearance in Norwich was 
the result of events which demand our attention. 

While he was journeying through the eastern 
part of Connecticut, he preached at Tolland, where 
Mrs. Thankful Pierce, of Norwich, was paying a 
visit to some friends. The advent of Mr. Lee ap- 
pears to have caused a general sensation among the 
inhabitants of that place, and, as large numbers 
went to hear him, drawn most likely by curiosity, 
she accompanied her friends to learn something 
about the " New Sect," having never heard of the 
name u Methodist." She was much affected by 
the spirit and doctrine of the preacher, and invited 
him to Norwich. Accepting the invitation, he 
l* 



10 



INTRODUCTION OF METHODISE. 



came and preached in her house the first Methodist 
sermon, June 25, 1790. That house in which the 
discourse zoas presented, and in which the first 
Methodist preacher was entertained, by the first 
convert to Methodism, is still situated on West 
Main Street, directly opposite the residence of Rev. 
D. N. Bentley. On the following day, Mr. Lee 
preached in the " Old Academy," which was situ- 
ated at the foot of Bean Hill, at the instance of 
Capt. James Hyde. It is not apparent nor probable 
that he met with very great encouragement, for 
these first Arminian sermons were followed by an 
interval of over two years before regular preaching 
was established by the Methodists. It is, however, 
reasonable to suppose that the views of Mr. Lee 
had awakened attention, and elicited a desire on 
the part of some to hear a further exposition of 
his novel tenets. 

On Feb. 27, 1790, Mr. Lee was joined by 
Revs. Jacob Brush, George Roberts and Daniel 
Smith, the two latter of whom were young preach- 
ers. They met him at a quarterly meeting at 
Dantown, a place situated between New York and 
Connecticut. Their advent was a source of great 
joy to Jesse Lee, who describes the services of the 
next Sabbath in the following graphic language. 
He says : " On Sunday, preaching was in a new, 
unfinished dwelling-house. In the time of preach- 
ing, the Lord visited the people in mercy, and a 
great cry was raised among them, such as was not 



INTRODUCTION OF METHODISM. 



11 



common in that part of the world. The people 
were alarmed ; some ran out of the house ; others, 
that were above in the loft, ran to the end of the 
house and jumped out on the ground. In the midst 
of all the confusion, the Christians were exceeding- 
ly happy." 

In the Conference of 1790, three circuits were 
" taken in" within the territory of Connecticut. 
The New Haven Circuit was formed in March, and 
" extended along the post-road from Milford to Hart- 
ford." About the same time Litchfield Circuit was 
formed, which comprised " the northwest part of 
the State." Hartford Circuit, which comprised 
" both sides of Connecticut Eiver," w^as formed late 
in the spring. The name of Stamford or Reading 
Circuit appears to have -been substituted by Fair- 
field. Of the three ministers mentioned above, 
Revs. Daniel Smith and Geo. Roberts remained with 
Mr. Lee, who was made Elder, and Rev. J. Brush 
was appointed in October of that year to New Ro- 
chelle Circuit. He was moreover reinforced by Rev. 
John Bloodgood, appointed to Fairfield Circuit; 
John Lee, to New Haven Circuit, and Nathaniel B. 
Mills to Hartford Circuit. 

It should be remembered that the territory of 
the circuits was subject to great variation, and oft 
embraced what was without the State, a fact to be 
premised from the tireless and energetic character 
of the pioneer itinerants of the New World. The 
Hartford Circuit in 1790 included Wilbraham, Mass. 



12 



INTRODUCTION OF METHODISM. 



On the other hand, circuits whose names were 
taken from adjoining States extended into our own. 
The Granville Circuit, of Mass., in 1798, included 
a portion of Connecticut and was " 200 miles in cir- 
cumference !" 



CHAPTER 111. 



METHODISE! ORGANIZED. 

The Conference appointments in Connecticut for 
1791 were as follows, Jesse Lee being Elder : 

Litchfield Circuit . .Matthias Swain, James Covel. 

Fairfield ;i Xathaniel B. Mills. Aaron Hunt. 

Middlefields " John Allen, Geo. Roberts. 

Hartford :> Lemuel Smith, and Menzies Rainor. 

The appointments for 1792 were : 

Fairfield Circuit Joshua Taylor, Smith Weeks. 

Litchfield " Philip Wager, James Coleman. 

Middle-Town" "Richard Swain, Aaron Hunt. 

Hartford " Hope Hull. Geo. Roberts, F. Aldridge. 

Rev. Jacob Brush was Elder, in place of Rev. 
Jesse Lee, whose * ; star " continually ascended 
northward, until it shone amid the forests of Maine. 

The New London Circuit was first recorded in a 
Conference, held at Tolland, Connecticut, August 
11, 1793. The Conference was composed of " ten 
or twelve members," and is believed to have been 
the first in the State (although an appointment was 
made for 1791), and were nearly all " entertained 
at Mr. Howard's hospitable mansion." Bishop 
Asbury preached from 2 Tim. ii. 2 ±-26 ; and having 
concluded the business departed on the same day. 
In the early part of the year, the circuit had been 
formed, but this Conference recognized the circuit, 



14 



METHODISM ORGANIZED. 



and designated for its ministry, Revs. George 
Roberts, Richard Swain, and Fred us Aldridge. The 
distance around the circuit was three hundred 
miles. 

Rev. Jesse Lee seems to have been particularly 
interested in New London Circuit, especially in 
New London. He says of the last named place : 
" It was upwards of five years, from the time of the 
Society's being formed in New London, until they 
built a meeting-house to assemble in. Their meet- 
ing-house was raised on the 20th day of July, 1798, 
and the dedication sermon was preached in it two 
days after the frame w r as raised, i. <?., on Sunday, 
the 22d of July, in the afternoon." 

In 1796, a small class was formed in Norwich 
North, comprising some of the best inhabitants of 
the town. Among its earliest members we find the 
names of Captain James Hyde, father of the late 
Rev. Edward Hyde, Solomon Williams, Richard 
Lamb, " Father Lathrop," Mrs. Carew, and her 
amiable daughter Sarah, Mrs. Lamb, and Mis 3 
Sarah Clement, of precious memory. There being 
no class at the Landing, Mrs. Thankful Pierce also 
united with this class. 

Previous to this time, it is probable the converts 
were known as Methodists, but this date constitutes 
the epoch of their organization in this city, 

Norwich North M. E. Church is, therefore, the 
parent of all the M. E. Churches in the city, and 
around her history, much of which is hermetically 



METHODISM ORGANIZED. 



15 



sealed from the inspection of to-day, clings the ivy 
of affection and gratitude, which centenary hands 
are proud to weave into garlands for those who 
long ago have joined the Church triumphant. 

The introduction of Methodism into portions of 
this State will serve to indicate the difficulties which, 
were encountered nearly everywhere, and which 
relieve Norwich from the charge of extraordinary 
opposition to the " new sect " in its early history. 

The first sermon preached by Jesse Lee in Xew 
England, was at Norwalk, June 17, 1789, and bears 
the following record : 

" At four o'clock I arrived at Xorwalk, and 
went to a Mr. Rogers, where one of our friends had 
asked liberty for me to preach. When I came, Mrs. 
R. told me her husband was from home, and was 
not willing for me to preach in his house. I told 
her we would hold meetings in the road, rather 
than give any uneasiness. We proposed speaking 
in an old house which stood just by, but she was 
not willing. I then spoke to an old lady about 
preaching in her orchard, but she would not con- 
sent, and said we would tread the grass down. The 
other friend gave notice to some of the people. 
They soon began to collect, some went to the road, 
where we had an apple-tree to shade its. When the 
woman saw that I was determined to preach, she 
said I might preach in the old house, but I told her 
I thought it would be better to remain where we 
were. So I began on the side of the road, with 



16 METHODISM ORGANIZED. 

about twenty hearers. After singing and pray- 
ing, I preached on John iii. 7 : Ye must be born 
again. I felt happy that we were favored with so 
comfortable a place ! * * Who knows but I 
shall yet have a place in this town where I may 
lay my head ? " 

Of Wapping, Conn., where he preached, Aug. 
26, 1794, he says: "I was happy to have an oppor- 
tunity of retreating a little into much-loved solitude 
at Capt. S — 's, a man of good sense and great 
kindness. I had some enlargement on Is. Iv. 6-9, 
and was enabled to speak with power and demon- 
stration. I preached at T. S — 's barn : my spirits 
were sunk at the wickedness of the people of this 
place. My subject was Is. lxiv. 1-7. Oh what 
mountains are in the way ! Idolatry, superstition, 
prejudice of education, infidelity, riches, honors, and 
the pleasures of the world. * * Oh! how might 
men address their own souls ; as, Oh ! my soul, hast 
thou had conviction, penitence, faith, regeneration ? 
Art thou ready to enter the unseen, unknown state 
of happiness and stand before God ? Or wilt thou 
be content to make thy bed in hell ?" 

As an instance to show how theological differ- 
ences operated to destroy unity, Farmington,Conn., 
furnishes illustration. Rev. Jesse Lee visited this 
town, March 15, 1789, and was entertained with 
dinner by a Mr. W — . He says : " We had been 
there but a little time when the old man began to 
talk about principles, and the old lady to prepare 



METHODISM ORGANIZED. 



17 



dinner. YTe continued the discourse till we had 
dined. When the old man found out that we be- 
lieved that a person might fall from grace and be 
lost, he discovered a good deal of anger, and said, 
if David had died in the act of adultery, and Peter 
while swearing, they would have been saved ! 
' Then, 5 said I, 6 after a man is converted he is 
obliged to be saved, he can't help it.' ' Yes/ says 
he, c he is obliged to be saved whether he will or 
not, for it is impossible for him to help it.' He said 
he would as soon hear us curse God at once, as to 
hear us say that God would give his love to a person 
and then take it away. I told him God would 
never take it away, but we might cast it away. See- 
ing he was much ruffled in his temper, I thought it 
best to be moving, so we asked him the way to Mr. 
Coles' [Cowles (?)], but he would not tell us, for he 
said Mr. Coles would not like his sending such men 
to his house. However, we got directions from his 
wife, and then set out." 

This should not be taken as exponential of the 
whole town, for Eev. Freeborn Garrettson, preach- 
ing here June 27, 1790, records: "I preached 
in Farmington to about three hundred people, and 
had great freedom in showing that Christ tasted 
death for every man, and that, as the way was open, if 
they did not repent, they would justly be damned. 
There are a few precious souls here who cleave to 
our doctrine and have united to our Society." A 
little after he added : " Thursday I preached with 



18 



METHODISM ORGANIZED. 



freedom at Farmington, and on Tuesday morning I 
gave an exhortation on the subject of Baptism ; 
baptized fourteen adults and children. We had a 
sweet time." 

Rev. Francis Asbury, the " Apostle of American 
Methodism/' reports a ■ • gracious shower at the 
Quarterly Meeting " held at West Farmington, 
July 20, 1791. 

The obstacle to be encountered in the primitive 
itinerancy can hardly be realized at this distant day. 
The current theology was strongly intrenched, and 
prescribed Church and State. The itinerants were 
denounced in pulpit and parlor both on account of 
doctrine and style. Such was the poverty of the 
young church, that, at first, a married minister was 
hardly found, for the reason that a sufficient sup- 
port could not be obtained. Most of the pioneers 
therefore located early in life and began secular 
pursuits for domestic maintenance. 

Rev. George Roberts, " during the whole period 
of his labors in New England, never received over 
$40 per annum, from any source, circuits and con- 
ference dividends together. He never had more 
than one suit of clothes at once," and was accus- 
tomed to mend "his garments with his own hands, 
in the woods or behind a rock." Yet this servant 
of God was characterized by dignity, a noble person, 
powerful persuasion, and systematic sermons, and 
would have been an ornament to the clergy of any 
age or church. Their triumphant death attested 



METHODISM ORGANIZED. 



19 



the sincerity and glory of their sacrifices and the 
divine favor, while they fell as 

" The corn in its fullness, and sear in its leaf." 

Rev. Jesse Lee, who first preached in this city, 
was born in Prince George County, Virginia, 1758. 
Early taught moral and religious duties, his mind 
became deeply impressed, and after much mental 
suffering, prompted especially by the conversion of 
his parents, he was converted in youth, under the 
ministry of Rev. Mr. Jarret, a clergyman of the 
Protestant Episcopal Church. When sixteen years 
of age, in 1774, he united with the Methodists, and 
soon after, removing to North Carolina, became a 
class leader ; then an exhorter, and afterward local 
preacher. Attending a conference in 1782, he was 
induced to enter upon itinerant service, and started 
to form a new circuit in the Sbuth. After con- 
tinuing his labors there for awhile, his mind was 
providentially led toward New England, a desire 
which he never abandoned, till it was realized in 
1789. He entered all alone this great field, to be- 
come, under God, the Founder of New England 
Methodism. Hopeful under difficulties, systematic 
in labor, zealous for souls, persuasive in utterance, 
devoted to his work, he evinced great symmetry of 
character and was worthy to introduce the denomi- 
nation which now rises up to bless him. 

Eev. George Roberts was one of the first min- 
isters appointed to New London Circuit, in 1793. 



20 



METHODISM ORGANIZED. 



Ill person lie was large ; in manner, dignified and 
cheerful ; in elocution, impressive ; capable of wit 
and satire ; contented with little ; deeply laborious 
and highly successful. 

Rev. Richard Swain, who was associated with the 
former, was characterized by mental activity, bril- 
liant conversational powers, and willingness to work 
amid primitive discouragements. 

Rev. Zadock Priest died early in the ministry 
from hemorrhage of the lungs, superinduced, it is 
believed, by the extraordinary privations and labors 
of the times. Few appear to have won a deeper 
friendship in so limited a period, which is evi- 
denced by the fact that a Christian brother desired 
to be buried beside him, u that he might sleep 
with him in death. " He fell in the 27th year of 
his age, in a " Methodist hotel," to which he had 
been invited, and though the workman in those 
days oft gained early 

"The bright coast, 
He fell as the martyr, he died at his post." 

The name of Rev. Enoch Mudge was hallowed in 
the hearts of those who listened to his preaching in 
different parts of the States. He was the first 
Methodist preacher born in New England. Im- 
pressive in mien, urbane in manners, varied in pul- 
pit illustration, exceedingly amiable in disposition, 
he filled life's cup in usefulness, successful, beloved, 
and honored. 



METHODISM ORGANIZED. 



21 



Barkhamstead, of this State, lias the honor of the 
birthplace of Rev. Timothy Merritt, whose influence 
was weighty and extensive. Consecration, argu- 
mentation, benevolence, laboriousness, simplicity, 
and a tireless ardor, characterized that man of God, 
who lies deeply embalmed in the love of a church 
which he so signally honored during a long life. 

The positions held by Rev. Shadrach Bostwick, 
in the ministry, evince the respect and ability with 
which he was blessed. For intellect, piety, and 
manners, he was reckoned among the great of the 
early itinerants, and his labors are fully recorded 
in the " Lamb's Book of Life." 

Thus have we briefly sketched a few of the 
primitive preachers of Norwich. They were a 
noble company of men, and in their starlit thrones 
to-day, their honor is brighter than Napoleon's, 
while they share the joy of their Lord. 



CHAPTER IV. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 

It has been stated that a class was formed at 
Bean Hill, in 1796. The Society here formed never 
lost its organization, though experiencing great 
changes. They were accustomed to meet for pub- 
lic worship in the " Old Academy," at the foot of 
the hill, a large double building, the upper part 
of which was divided by swinging partitions which 
might be raised and fastened above. The lower 
rooms were separated by an entrance, from which 
stairs led the way into the upper rooms. This 
anogeon, or " upper chamber," was their meeting- 
house for many years. One part of it was seated 
with desks on an inclined flofcr, while the other con- 
tained a large stage, together with some rough 
seats. In winter the partitions were closed, and in 
summer they were raised, to unite the rooms. 
Social meetings were often held during the week 
at the residence of some member, where often 

M Heaven comes down our souls to greet, 
While glory crowns the Mercy-seat." 

In numbers they have never excelled, but their 
religious position among the Methodist churches 



HISTORY OF NORWICH 



NORTH CHURCH. 



23 



of this city merits the interest and sympathy which 
they will ever share. 

Among the early members, Capt. James Hyde 
held a leading influence. Dr. Fisk says of him : 
He was a man of piety and one among the first 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 
Norwich, Conn., and subsequently a local preacher." 
His wife " was a devout member of the Congrega- 
tional Church, in which communion she lived and 
died." He was beloved and respected for his piety 
and moral integrity, carrying his religion with him 
into secular pursuits. From his meat-cart he was 
prepared to ascend the pulpit acceptably, or kneel 
in his white frock with the sick and the dying. 
One of the Abrakamic trials of his life was the 
relinquishment of his son, Rev. Edward Hyde, to 
the itinerancy, a son whom he had designated to 
be the prop of his old age. 

The Sabbath previous to the departure of 
young Edward, the father preached in reference to 
the matter, under deep emotion, which was fully 
warranted, for ere the son returned he had slept 
the last sleep, leaning upon his God. He died 
April 9, 1809, aged 57 years. 

Mr. Solomon Williams holds estimable rank 
among the pioneers of Norwich Methodism. Like 
Capt. Hyde, he was many years a class-leader; 
industrious, consistent, and beloved. Not far from 
1823 he assisted in revolutionizing the " Old Acade- 
my," removing the stage, rough seats, desks, in- 



24 HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 

clined floor, and partitions, erecting a pulpit on 
the centre of the back side, and a flight of stairs in 
front on the outside. The class-meetings were long 
held at his house, and he often conducted social 
meetings in the absence of the circuit preacher. 
His service on earth ended Sept. 1, 1837, at the age 
of 81. His wife, also an honored member, had 
deceased Sept. 13, 1825, aged 49 years. Without 
attempting to exhaust the catalogue of the early 
members, we must not omit to mention the names 
of Capt. Richard Lamb, who began celestial life 
Nov. 28, 1809, of 65 years; Mr. Jeremiah 
GrifHng, deceasing March 12, 1825 ; Mr. David 
Gillson, Aug. 19, 1817, who, while walking in 
usual health, suddenly dropped dead. 

Associated with these men, were a number of 
" honorable women," who rendered no inconsider- 
able service in the progress of Methodism. In 
fact, woman was the means of its introduction into 
the city, and her love for the institution has ever 
been signal and practical. Among the most dis- 
tinguished was Miss Sarah Clement,* who taught 

* Miss Clement was the daughter of Deacon Clement, whose 
residence was situated on Washington Street, next beyond that of 
the late John Breed, Esq. He was possessed of a high Christian 
reputation. The following is related. A man by the name of Mr. 
Abel Wing was accustomed to bring water for washing. One 
morning, approaching the house in the performance of his accus- 
tomed work, he found Mr. Clement engaged in prayer, and listen- 
ing, he heard him pray that the devil might " take wings [Wing] 
and fly away." Not gathering the import of these words, and be- 



HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 25 

for many years a private school of small children. 
Wishing to obtain a letter of dismissal from Eev. 
Mr. King's church, he replied, that he would give 
her any amount of recommendation, but, from his 
appreciation of her, declined giying a demit, thus 
making it necessary for her to enter the M. E. 
Church by the door of " probation." She resided 
a long time with her sister, Mrs. Capt. Richard 
Lamb, who was among the most devoted of that 
day. They have been honored by the appellation 
of "prominent exhorters" The former passed to 
the " Church triumphant," Sept. 1, 1832, aged 75 
years : the latter, Feb. 6, 1832, of 80 years. In 
life, they were useful, beloved and pious ; in death, 
they were not long separated. 

Miss Sarah Carew and her mother were held in 
high estimation ; and Miss Sarah Caswell, whose 
death occurred April 30, 1851. 

But the most notable woman of the early 
church was Mrs. Thankful Pierce. By her influ- 
ence, as previously stated, Methodism was first 
preached in this city, by Rev. Jesse Lee. Her 

coming ruffled, he went to a Mr. Oliver Arnold, a noted and poetic 
wit, and related his version of the petition, and asked him to 
compose an impromptu stanza upon it. Whereupon he ex- 
temporized: 

" Deacon Clement, he did pray 
The devil to take "ttlng and fly away. 
The devil, I think he ain't half fair, 
He don't regard the deacon's prayer." 

2 



26 HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 



tombstone was inscribed with the following: "In 
memory of Mrs. Thankful Pierce, relict of Copt, 
Moses Pierce, who died Feb. 3, 1821, aged 92. 
She was a mother in Israel, and the first member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church in this city, 
ivho, UJce lydia, first heard the preachers, and 
then received them into her house" She was ever 
a power in the church for good, gathering about 
her a circle of devoted women, who were styled 
" The Holy Band." There was something so inde- 
scribably interesting and lovely in her spirit and 
appearance, that she won the esteem of all who 
knew her. She was afflicted for many years with 
feeble eyesight, and finally was almost totally 
blind. Relinquishing housekeeping, she resided 
with her amiable daughter, Mrs. Gilbert, who par- 
took of the maternal disposition. Still she main- 
tained a faithful attendance on the means of grace, 
regardless of distance. When the meetings were 
held at the " Old Masonic Hall," she was accus- 
tomed to occupy a large-armed chair, near the 
pulpit or desk, where she feasted on the words of 
life. Ever cheerful amid discouragements, she was 
a lamp in darkness, as the following incident will 
illustrate. In a season of spiritual reverses, when 
some had moved away and others backslidden, the 
preacher came and found no preaching place, nor 
provision for himself or horse, and standing with 
the class-paper in his hand, he asked her, " Shall I 
transfer your name to the Up-Town Class ?" Cast- 



HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 



27 



ing her sightless eves toward him, she replied: 
" Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy ; when 
I fall, I shall arise." She inherited a vigorous 
constitution, generally enjoying good health. All 
she seemed to require was an arm to guide her in 
the way, and that was never wanting, for such was 
the attachment, that her friends and acquaintances 
of all ages, particularly her grandchildren, vied 
with each other who should enjoy the privilege of 
leading that saintly mother to the place of worship. 
Her last sickness was short, and her translation 
glorious. On the evening of Feb. 2d, word was dis- 
patched to Rev. David N. Bentley, of this city, by her 
kind-hearted grandson, Mr. X. Gilbert, that she 
was failing, would probably not survive till morn- 
ing, and wished him to repair to her death-room 
without delay. Hurriedly dressing himself, he 
proceeded to her residence, when he was met at the 
door by Capt. Gilbert, her son-in-law, who said, " I 
am glad you have come. Mother has been inquir- 
ing after you all night, and, from the way she 
spoke of you to ; come and help her die,' we think 
she may be a little out/' On his entering her 
chamber and being announced, she reached her 
death-cold hands toward him, which he, clasping, 
said, •> How do you do, Mamma Pierce ? " To this 
she rejoined, " O, bless the Lord, I'm waiting to go ! 
My blessed Saviour has sent his heavenly chariot 
for me ! And I've been waiting all night for you 
to come and help me die ! ! O, kneel right down 



28 HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 

here, and pray the Lord to release me now and let 
•me go to my long-wished-for Home, to my Father's 
House above ! !" Immediately dropping upon 
their knees, and engaging in prayer, 

" The opening heavens around them shone 
With beams of sacred bliss." 

While the prayer was being offered, she clapped 
her hands, saying, " Glory ! Glory to God ! — I'm 
going ! — Farewell ! — Glory ! I'm going — farewell ! 
— farewell !" Rising up from prayer, behold, the 
mortal struggle had ceased. The accents of that 
last farewell were hushed in the stillness of death. 
The soul had entered the long-sought rest, and the 
venerable tabernacle, which had withstood the 
storms of ninety-two winters, was now forsaken of its 
almost centennial occupant. Peace to her ashes ! her 
eyes with trans-sepulchral clearness, forsooth, may 
betimes fill with the welfare of the churches she so 
tenderly loved, but her spirit must be ever welcom- 
ing us to the " chariot " that bore her so triumph- 
antly to the Home of the soul. 

It is probable a few persons were converted at 
Bean Hill in 1794 and '95, as, in 1796, a " respect- 
able" church was said to be located at the " Aca- 
demy." Some are known to have been added in 
1796 and '97. Although 1798 witnessed little in- 
crease, the members became much established, and 
a larger number were converted in the following 
year. The closing year of the eighteenth century 



HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 



29 



was remarkable in Norwich -Methodism. The 
Second Quarterly Conference for the circuit was 
held at Xorwich North, and was a wonderful meet- 
ing for those times. Persons came from distant 
parts of the circuit, women coming nearly thirty 
miles on horseback, in the plain attire and dress 
which, distinguished the Methodist sisterhood of 
that day. Such was the power of conviction at- 
tending the Word, that two ladies, attempting to 
leave the room, dropped suddenly to the floor, as if 
struck with death.* During the year, two local 
preachers, Revs. ¥m. Gurley and John Beatty, 
assisted the circuit preachers, and were of great 
help to the young church. The former took a pro- 
minent part in the insurrection of Ireland, 1798, 
when, after undergoing multiplied dangers, his life 
being attempted, he removed to Liverpool, whence 
he emigrated in the fall of 1801 to the United 
States, and settled in this city, where he remained 
about ten years. His son has since published his 
memoirs, in which his life appears in extenso. Many 
a Ion mot is told concerning his preaching. It is 
related that on one occasion, in prayer, having re- 
ferred to a promise of Scripture, he continued,— 
" And now, good Lord, we put Thee up to it." 
When asked at one time where he was going, he 
replied, " Down to Poquetonock, to give the devil 
a kick." His son, Rev. L. B. Gurley, in his Me- 
moirs has inserted a tradition which is proof that 



* See Appendix B. 



30 HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 

he could enjoy as well as occasion witticism. Par- 
son Strong had a shoemaker in his parish, who, 
though he seldom or never attended his church, w r as 
assessed five dollars. A*s delinquent in payment as 
in attendance, he was at length waited on by the 
parson, who, not willing to collect by law until he 
had asked it, concluded to make a pastoral visit, 
and modestly present his claim. The shoemaker 
heard the demand with well-feigned surprise, ex- 
claiming, " Why, Sir, I never heard you preach in 
my life." " That is not my fault,"replied his Reve- 
rence ; my church was open to you, and you could 
have heard if you chose." " True," replied the 
now hopeful disciple, " I did not think of that. 
"Well, parson, I will call to-morrow and settle all 
demands." " O, very well, Sir. Good afternoon, 
Sir," replied the minister, and bowing politely, left 
the shop. True to his promise, the parson was 
pleased to see the shoemaker at his hall door. " I 
have come to settle with you parson," said he. " O, 
very well ; no hurry ; sit down." A glass of wine 
was offered and accepted, after which the visitor 
took from under his arm his account-book, saying, 
" Well, parson, we will now compare accounts." 
The parson looked a little confused, but replied, " I 
think you have nothing charged to me." " O, yes," 
said he, " here is a charge of five dollars for a pair 
of boots." " Boots ! boots !" said the astonished 
parson, "surely there must be some mistake ; cer- 
tainly, I never was in your shop till yesterday in 



HISTORY OF NORWICH XORTH CHURCH. 31 

my life." " True enough. ; but, sure, that was 
not my fault, my shop was open to you, as well 
as your church to me. The accounts, you see, 
exactly balance ; and of course you will be satis- 
fied." So saying, he made a low bow, and, bid- 
ding the astonished parson u good evening," re- 
tired. 

This year Methodism was established in the 
city, and the returns from the classes for Confer- 
ence showed about seventy members at Norwich 
North. 

During the five years following, little more was 
effected than to retain the former numbers. The 
deaths, transfers, and apostasies, were about bal- 
anced by the number of conversions each year. 
The reprehensible conduct of the ministry of 1804 
was a serious discount on the success and courage 
of the members. 

A revival commenced in Norwich while the 
Conference was holding its session, in 1803, at which 
Rev. Edward Hyde was converted, with others who 
have remained faithful to the end. The history of 
several succeeding vears was marked bv little that 
was striking and much that was excellent both in 
the ministry and laity ; the former, generally be- 
loved and useful ; the latter, persistent, active, and 
pious. If that period is stamped with little that is 
extraordinary, it is stigmatized with little that is 
culpable. Professors pursued with an even tenor 
their lifeward journey, and Arminian views per- 



32 



HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 



meatecl the community as a silent but potent 
leaven.* 

The name of the Church Society, as appears in 
the minutes, was first called " Norwich;" in 1834, 
"Norwich North," which appellation it has very 
generally retained. In local conversation, it is 
often called " Bean Hill," from its locality."* 

The characteristics of the sermons and clergy 
have been highly varied. Some were argumenta- 
tive, as Nichols and Jocelyn ; others doctrinal, like 
Branch ; some eloquent in language, as McLane 
and Coate ; others simple in diction, like Dane ; a 
part highly urbane — Marsh and Stewart ; others, 
disciplinarian, as Vannest ; many young, like 
Ruter, Norris, B. Sabin and McKee ; a portion 
impassioned in utterance, as Ostrander and Blake. 
Rev. Lewis Bates was a good preacher, especially 
given to illustration. So great was his propensity 
to this, that some of the older ministers thought he 
merited a public caution from the Bishop. Accord- 
ingly, when his name was called in the examination of 
character, he was told by the Bishop that he ought to 
be very careful not to lower the dignity of the sacred 
office of the ministry by introducing any common- 
place story, tending to degrade the Holy Scriptures, 
or the pulpit. Brother Bates stood calmly and heard 
the Bishop through, when he admitted the pro- 
priety of the Bishop's admonition, and said it re- 
minded him of a " circumstance ," which he began 
* For Preachers and Accessions, see Appendices A and C. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 33 



to relate, when the gravity of the Conference was 
entirely unsettled by a general laugh. Bishop and 
all. 

A few early references to Norwich were made 
in the journals of the pioneers. Rev. Jesse Lee 
preached at the Landing in a private house to a 
large company, on or about Sept. 15, 1794. 
Concerning the occasion, he says, i6 Glory be to 
God, glory be to God forever. My soul was lost 
in wonder, love, and praise. The people seemed, 
by their looks, as if they were willing to receive 
the truth, and turn to God." 

Bishop Asbury preached in the " Old Acade- 
my," Monday, eight o'clock, a. m., July 20, 1795, 
having come hither from New London Conference 
on the same day. He also attended a " Quarterly 
Meeting," held in the same place, Sept. 17, of 
the next year. He spoke from 1 Pet. iv. 14 : 

" If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye ; for 
the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you. On their part he 
is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified." 

The Sabbath following was a great day for 
Zion, and the Love Feast, commencing at eight 
o'clock in the morning, was especially memorable. 
The Bishop records : " It was a sweet, refreshing 
time ; several talked very feelingly, among whom 
were some aged people ; many praised God for the 
instrumentality of the Methodists in their salvation. 
* * Two or three aged women spoke as on the bor- 
ders of Eternity, and within sight of glory." He 

2* 



34 HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 



preached at the close of the Love Feast upon Rom. 
yiii. 6-8, on which he says, " Serious impressions 
appeared to be made on the minds of some of the 
audience." Asbury and Lee visited Norwich, 
July 23, 1798, and after they had both given ex- 
hortations, there was " a speaking and living time 
among the brethren and sisters." 

During the pastorship of Rev. Caleb D. Rogers 
and Leonard Griffing, the church planned the erec- 
tion of a sanctuary, which was dedicated in the 
summer of 1831, by an abls* sermon from Rev. 
Fitch Reed, of the New York Conference. 

Prominent in the movement was Erastus Went- 
worth, Esq., father of Dr. Wentworth, who was, 
and still continues to be, a liberal communicant of 
the Congregationalists. At a meeting of Messrs. 
Joshua Maples, Aaron Armstrong, J oseph T. Man- 
ning and others, prominent members of a subse- 
quent date, he was invited to join their Conference 
in this matter, and, with Mr. Griffing, was ap- 
pointed to circulate a subscription. The two first 
named headed it each with one hundred dollars, and 
the requisite sum of a thousand dollars was indemni- 
fied. It is highly gratifying, as it is due, to say that 
the respective denominations of the city, generally, 
contributed toward the new church. He was also 
appointed first on the Building Committee, and 
watched with a highly commendable interest the 
young enterprise. He was requested to sell the 
slips at the close of the dedicatory service, and re- 



HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 35' 

plied, " I will do any thing but preach the dedication 
sermon/' He appears to have been a signal help 
in the choral services of that occasion, on which he 
played the bass viol. A revival soon followed, 
when his honored son became a subject of divine 
grace, and richly rewarded his religious catholicity. 
The Church has ever been blessed with devoted 
men and women, who, loving ite doctrines and dis- 
cipline, have sought and enjoyed the life and power 
of Godliness. They have been celebrated at times 
for their singing, and some of the earliest members 
sang impressively in the spirit, to wit, Eev. 
Amaziah Fullmore, Mr. David Gillson, and Mrs. 
Capt. Richard Lamb ; and, combined with spiritu- 
ality, formed no common attraction in the early 
means of grace. Among its laity, at the present 
time, Mr. Erin Gilford, a class-leader, sustains an 
enviable character. He joined the M. E. Church 
in 1829, and has ever sustained a high reputation 
for moral integrity, conscientiousness, sincerity, 
fidelity, and a perennial piety. Mr. George Case, 
for Christian benevolence and beneficence, has few 
compeers in any church of the land, and, with all 
the members of his estimable family, is a religious 
power which may God long conserve to the cause 
that honors him as it is honored by him. Messrs. 
William T. Case and Thomas M. Frazier contribute 
liberally to the interests of the Society, and with 
others, whose names are in the Book of Life, merit 
much more than our limits will allow. 



36 HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 

This church has given to the Methodist ministry 
some of its best and illustrious members. 

Rev. John Whear was born in Cornwall, Eng- 
land, Dec. 7, 1835. Of pious parentage, he was 
early the subject of religious influences, and at the 
age of thirteen gave his heart to God. He was 
intended for mercantile pursuits, but, convinced 
that he ought to preach, he studied theology, first 
under Rev. H. W. Holland, and afterward under 
Rev. James Emory. In 1851, he became an ex- 
horter, and afterward local preacher among the 
Wesleyan Methodists of his native country. Pre- 
ferring the M. E. Church of America, as a field of 
labor, he emigrated, and landed at New York, 
March 12, 1857. During the winter of that year 
he assisted Rev. George W. Brewster, of the Main 
Street Church of this city. The ensuing spring he 
was ordained Deacon by Bishop Scott, and ap- 
pointed to Norwich North, where he labored with 
acceptability. The following year he was stationed 
at Lebanon, but a chronic disease disabled him 
from the work he so dearly loved. Though unfitted 
for duty in the active ministry, he resides at the 
home of his father-in-law, Mr. Erin Gifford, where 
faithful and loving hands bestow merited kindness 
and attention. He is a marked instance of a mys- 
terious Providence, Whose plans " are a great deep," 
and " Whose thoughts are not as our thoughts." 

Bro. Whear was a minister of much promise, 
deeply devoted to his work, and possessed of ardent 



HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 



37 



piety. His joy will ever be in knowing that they 
serve God vjJio wait cheerfully upon Him, accord- 
ing to His wisdom. In his uniformly patient cheer- 
fulness under protracted suffering, he has furnished 
a bright illustration of the gospel he preached. 

Rev. Edward Hyde, of blessed memory, the 
son of Capt. James Hyde, was born March 31, 
1786. "When eight years of age, he suffered a 
severe attack of the scarlatina anginosa, from 
which he barely recovered to find his vocal powers 
permanently impaired. At seventeen, he obtained 
divine remission and commenced his ministerial life 
Feb., 1809, and in March entered the Ashburnham 
Circuit. At the next Conference, which was held 
in Monmouth, Me., he joined the itinerancy, and 
was appointed successively to the following circuits 
and stations : 1809, Poplin and Salem, 1ST. H. ; 
1810, Eeadfield, Me.; 1811, Scituate; 1812, Mar- 
tha's Vineyard; 1813, Tolland; 1814, Somerset, 
Bristol, and Rhode Island ; 1815, Warwick; 1816, 
Pomfret ; 1817, Ashburnham ; 1818, '19, New Lon- 
don; 1820, '21, Wellfleet; 1822, '23, '24, '25, 
Presiding Elder over Boston District ; 1826, '27, 
'28, '29, Presiding Elder over New London District ; 
1830, Presiding Elder over Boston District. In 1831 
he was stationed on Wilbraham Circuit, and was 
made steward of the Wesleyan Academy, where he 
remained until his death, March 16, 1832. It is 
impossible to do justice in few words to this servant 
of God and the Church. He was beloved in every 



38 HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 



relation of life, and whether as son, consort, brother, 
friend or minister, he won great affection and re- 
spect. Deeply devoted to his vocation, meek in 
his carriage among his friends, dignified in man- 
ners, and highly successful in his ministry, the 
name of Rev. Edward Hyde is as u ointment poured 
forth." His last days were peculiarly triumphant, as 
he often broke out in joyful ecstasy over the good- 
ness of God, in the atonement and his nearing, 
many-mansioned Home. His dying utterances 
were : " The chariot is come " — " DonH you see 
them Glory to God J Hallelujah !! " 

His only surviving child is the wife of Rev. C. 
K. True, D. D., now of Boston, a woman whose 
virtues, among a highly interesting family, evince 
the character of paternal inheritance. 

Dr. Fisk, who delivered his funeral sermon, says 
of him : " He was a man of one work— he labored 
solely for God and for the Church. From this he 
could not be diverted, either by the hope of worldly 
gain or worldly applause ; nor yet, what must have 
been to him a still greater sacrifice, by a desire of 
social relaxation and domestic enjoyment.* * From 
the time he commenced his labors until his last 
sickness, he never lost an appointment in conse- 
quence of ill health, and he rarely complained of 
fatigue." He rests : 

il Asleep in Jesus ! blessed sleep, 
From which none ever wake to weep." 

Rev. Erastus Wentworth is of Puritan descent. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 39 



William Wentworth followed the " Pilgrims " to 
New England in 1628, and, with others, laid the 
foundations of New Hampshire, where he died at 
advanced age, in 1697. He had nine sons, progeni- 
tors of Benning and John, royal governors of New 
Hampshire, as well as of all the name in America. 
The late Mrs. Sigourney was descended from his 
son Paul ; " Long John," member of Congress for 
Illinois, from his son Ezekiel ; Dr. Wentworth from 
his son John. James, born 1721, great grandson of 
William and great-grandfather of the subject of our 
present sketch, settled in Norwich the middle of 
the last century, where were born Lemuel, his grand- 
father, in 1752, and Erastus, his father, in 1788. He 
was born in Stonington, at the house of his mater- 
nal grandfather, August 8, 1813, and removed to 
Norwich the following year, where all his early 
years were spent. Those years were the last of the 
olden time, the last of knee-breeches and cocked 
hats, sloops, stage coaches, spinning-wheels, small 
fortunes ; pride in economy, religious observance of 
Thanksgiving, and stated lessons in the Assembly of 
Divines' Catechism. 

Nature, men, books, society, these are the great 
sources of first ideas, these lie at the foundation of 
fortune, character, and life. Norwich scenery is 
proverbially picturesque, * rarely beautiful, never 
sublime. Nature wears a rugged aspect in grani- 
tic regions and primitive formations. The soil is 
hard, strikingly like the grimmer features of Puri- 



40 HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 



tan character. Morals, religion, school and family 
government, fifty years ago, were Scotch in precision 
and sternness. The schoolmaster was an absolute, 
often cruel tyrant, the father of a family an unap- 
proachable autocrat, the " minister " held in reve- 
rence, bordering on dread. Youth stood in whole- 
some fear of the rod, the " tithing man," the 
sheriff, constable, and " squire." 

Books were few, carpets scarce, pianos rare, 
cooking stoves and a thousand modern conveniences 
and luxuries unknown. Boys, inclined to read, had 
to " borrow " books ; a favorite volume circulated 
from house to house till it was thumbed into illegi- 
bleness. In those times, if the whole Bean Hill 
neighborhood had been laid under contribution, it 
would hardly have furnished books enough to form 
a modern private library. Robinson Crusoe, Arabian 
lights, fairy tales, and the feeble romances of the 
last century preceded Sunday-school literature and 
the circulating library. New publications did not 
then find instant way to the center-tables of wealth 
and fashion. Magazines were occasional, dailies, 
monthlies, and quarterlies unknown. 

The curriculum of the common school was read- 
ing, writing, spelling, arithmetic, geography, and 
grammar. Murray's English Grammar was put into 
the hands of Erastus while yet in the " woman's 
school." His daily progress could be marked by 
the dog-eared and worn-out leaves. This cruel 
custom of compelling children to study grammar, a 



HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 41 

branch fit only for adult years, and mature minds, 
is still absurdly adhered to in all our schools. Pri- 
vate schools furnished lessons in Algebra, Geometry, 
Latin and Greek, composition and declamation. 
The natural sciences were unknown. 

Religious instruction consisted in a Saturday re- 
cital of the Assembly's Catechism, from which it 
was much easier to learn the picture couplets : 

u In Adam's fall, 
We sinned all," 

than the answers to the dry questions, " What is 
man's chief end !" Added to this were public ser- 
vices at the " meeting-house " on Sunday, with short 
sermons from Dr. Strong, and a thinly attended 
week-evening lecture or conference at the " Court 
House." 

Erastus's first religious impressions, like those of 
Luther, were caused by a startling providence. In 
1823, a schoolmate dropped dead at his feet, which 
set him to thinking and praying. The same year the 
old academy at Bean Hill, hitherto furnished only in 
loose planks, laid on piles of blocks, was permanent- 
ly and conveniently seated, and supplied with 
pulpit and altar. A " revival " followed, and a 
dozen boys from ten to fourteen years old fell into 
the current, and kept up juvenile prayer meetings 
from house to house for a number of weeks. Infant 
piety was not much encouraged in those days, except 
by a few good old ladies ; the affair was looked coldly 



42 



HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 



upon by the major part, and one by one the boys 
" backslid.* 5 Erastus counted himself a " backslider," 
and, out of a sense of shame, went as little as possible 
to Methodist meetings for the next six years. He be- 
longed " down town," went there to Sunday-school, 
sang in the choir, loved the organ, and only at- 
tended at the 66 old school-house" on warm after- 
noons, or excessively cold Sundays, or to hear a new 
preacher or enjoy the lively singing of a quarterly 
meeting. 

He was converted in 1831, at eighteen, joined 
the Methodist Society at Bean Hill in September or 
October of that year. The winter following, as 
well as the two preceding, w^as spent in teaching. 
In the spring of 1832, Rev. Peter Sabin wanted 
to give him an exhorter's license, which he declined, 
saying, " I must go to school first and get some 
education." "Education," replied his minister, 
u you have more education than most of our preach- 
ers now. Jacob Abbott preached six years, and ac- 
complished a wonderful work, and then went to 
glory. If he had gone to college, all this would 
have been lost to the Church and the world." This 
was a poser, but young Wentworth reflected, " I am 
no Jacob Abbott," and in May, 1832, entered Caze- 
novia Seminary, and in 1834 Wesleyan Univer- 
sity, where he graduated in 1837, and followed the 
way Providence pointed out, which w r as for nearly 
twenty years teaching in Methodist Institutions. 

This was a severe field of labor. The more open 



HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 



43 



and active labors of pioneer itinerants were full of 
startling incident, as romantic often as romance itself. 
The history of the pioneer teachers of Methodism, 
their labors, sacrifices, and privations, has never been 
written. Everybody knows how our academies and 
colleges struggled into existence, but few know the 
sacrifices and toils of the men who made them. Pro- 
fessor Wentworth's first field, Gouvernpur Seminary, 
was a hard one. The old academy burned down, 
and was only rebuilt by immense labor and sacrifice. 
The inhabitants of the region were poor, with but 
little money at command, and their farms large- 
ly mortgaged to mercenary dealers. Tuition rates 
were cheap, and mostly paid in produce. As an 
instance of the straits to which the faculty were often 
driven, it is related that on one occasion, at the 
close of the term, four of the teachers sat down to 
divide among them its cash proceeds, thirty dollars, 
in the ratio of the greatest necessity, and this too 
when the Institution was indebted to them for 
frightful arrearages of salary. 

Poultney, his second field, entered in 1841, was 
better, pecuniarily — the teachers were paid, but the 
farm and buildings were thatched with mortgages to 
satisfy current claims, and finally sold at fearful 
sacrifice. In 1846, by advice of a physician, he 
sought a milder climate for a consumptive compan- 
ion. The trustees of McKendree College, Southern 
Illinois, had just advertised for men who were will- 
ing to undertake its professorships at ordinary 



44 HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 

Methodist preachers' salaries, raised by the voluntary 
contributions of the people of the Illinois Conference. 
Their appeal met with a host of responses, and four 
were selected out of scores that offered. Professor 
Wentworth, of Poultney, was elected President of 
the Institution. A former President of the College 
advised him to " take out a good library," and devote 
the time speijt in the West to study ; the advice 
was good, but impracticable. The work of teaching, 
preaching, lecturing, traveling, begging, and editing, 
left little leisure for books. The Illinois Confer- 
ence, preachers and people, responded nobly to the 
efforts of the faculty, and a good work was done by 
many generous hearts and willing hands. 

In 1850, President Wentworth was called to the 
Professorship of Natural Science in Dickinson 
College, Pennsylvania. The same year, Alleghany 
College conferred upon him, unsolicited, the degree 
of Doctor of Divinity. In the West, with less than 
four hundred dollars a year, he had saved money ; 
here, with a salary of a thousand, he found himself 
in debt five hundred dollars at the end of the year. 
With the exception of a single season of severe af- 
fliction in the loss of his wife and infant son, the 
years spent in Carlisle were years of social comfort 
and steady mental improvement. Sundays and 
vacations, in common with the other clerical mem- 
bers of the faculty, he made frequent excursions to 
Harrisburgh, Philadelphia, Trenton, Baltimore, and 
Washington, and all the adjacent regions, lecturing, 



HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 45 



preaching, and representing the interests of educa- 
tion and religion. 

In 1854, some of his friends proposed that he go 
to our Chinese Mission. The proposition grew out 
of a conversation with Rev. George Loomis, sea- 
men's ex-chaplain at Canton, in which Dr. Went- 
worth expressed a willingness to serve the Seamen's 
Friend Society, as chaplain, for five years, if his 
services were desired. " Why not go to our own 
mission in Foochou, if willing to go abroad at all ?" 
suggested President Loomis. ' " Willing, but too 
old," replied Professor Wentworth ; " none but 
young men can acquire a strange language, particu- 
larly one so difficult as the Chinese." The mis- 
sionary secretary made the same objection. It is 
valid, but was overruled in this instance, and in 
January, 1855, he left the pulpit in New York for 
China, via the Cape of Good Hope, touching at the 
southern extremity of India in the passage. The 
voyage was accomplished by June. It is impossi- 
ble in this brief sketch to go into the details of mis- 
sionary work for the next six years. It consisted 
in the study of the hardest language in the world, 
preaching in the colloquial dialect of the Fokean 
province, distributing tracts and Testaments, trans- 
lating into Chinese, overseeing native helpers, itine- 
rating through the country, building houses and 
churches, and, in some few instances, communicat- 
ing a knowledge of English to missionary Chinese 
youths. The ill health of his wife compelled his 



46 HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 

return to America, after an absence of seven years, 
that, though flavored with a due modicum of 
the unpleasantnesses and disagreeables that are as 
spices and pickles to existence, were among the most 
pleasant and profitable of his life. In 1862 he took 
pastoral charge of the North Second Street Church, 
Troy, N. Y., and in 1865, of the State Street, in 
the same city, where he is now devoting himself to 
the itinerant work as a member of the Troy Annual 
Conference. 

Dr. Wentworth is no ordinary man. Physically 
he is neither large nor small. He would be select- 
ed in a company as a person commanding respect 
and influence from his carriage and utterance, which 
is winning in a high degree. He is exceedingly 
genial in his disposition, and is said to be sure to 
render, in conversation, the " choleric amiable, and 
the dyspeptic self- forgetful." 

In the pastoral relation, he is the companion of 
his people, and beloved by the old and young. He 
deals closely and faithfully with the conscience, and, 
in private appeals to those with whom he is famil- 
iar, is deeply impressive. In affliction he is tender 
and consoling, and the people expect and find relief 
from his presence and words in their severest 
trials. 

As a preacher, he is systematic, original, pow- 
erful, and often overwhelming. He is very much 
at home in a revival, and at camp-meeting, where 
his pulpit talent is rarely surpassed. As an orator 



HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 47 

and lecturer, for similar reasons, he is highly popu- 
lar. 

His literary attainments are of an uncommon 
order. His reading is extensive and varied, and 
the important scholastic positions filled by him tes- 
tify his ability to instruct and govern the young. 

His piety is of an earnest and joyful character. 
True, he has drank the cup of missions in China, 
but he does not deem himself entitled to rest. Duty 
seems to be privilege, and his views of the " cross- 
es " of piety and religion are worthy to live in the 
millennium. 

Rev. Simon Huntington was born at Norwich, 
August 18, 1801, and was converted in 1820. 
He was an active and exemplary Christian, and, 
impressed with the duty of preaching, after a tui- 
tion of two years under Dr. Wilbur Fisk, at Wilbra- 
ham, Mass., he removed to CanadaWest, in 1829, the 
remainder of which conference year and the follow- 
ing, were spent upon the Yonge Street Circuit. Rev. 
John Carroll speaks of his first acquaintance with 
him: "I was preaching in the pulpit of the old 
chapel in Belleville, on a Sunday morning in June, 
1829, when I was a little disconcerted by the ap- 
pearance of what I then thought a handsome, 
youthful stranger, in the garb of a preacher, who 
paid great attention to the sermon. After it was 
ended, I remarked that if there was a preacher in 
the congregation, I would be very glad if he would 
come forward and close the meeting. The stranger 



i 



48 HISTORY OF .NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 



came into the pulpit at once, and offered one of the 
most beautifully appropriate and scriptural prayers 
T thought I had ever heard." He joined the Can- 
ada Conference in 1832, in full connection, and 
married Miss Sarah Smith, sister of Rev. "William 
Smith, in the conference year of 1833. His appoint- 
ments were : 1829, Tonge Street Circuit ; 1830, 
Westminster Circuit; 1831, Mississippi Circuit; 
1832, Bonchire Mission ; 1833, '34, Augusta Circuit ; 
1835, '36, Murray Circuit ; 1837, New Market Cir- 
cuit ; 1838, '39, Toronto Circuit ; 1840, '41, Whitby 
Circuit ; 1842, '43, Kemptville Circuit ; 1844, '45, 
Rideau Circuit ; 1846, '47, Cornwall Circuit ; 1848, 
Prescott Circuit ; 1849, Augusta Circuit ; 1850, '51, 
Farmersville Circuit ; 1852, '53, Glanford ; 1854, '55, 
Grimsby ; 1856, Walsingham, at which place he, 
deceased, August 25, 1856, soon after the session 
of the Conference. Rev. George Goodson says : 
" His illness was of short duration. He did not 
complain till Tuesday, the 19th, and nothing serious 
was apprehended until Sunday afternoon, about 
three o'clock, when Mrs. Huntington found his 
mind delirious. But even then there was no thought 
of death being near. He died the next Monday 
morning at four o'clock. It was sudden and un- 
expected to those in the room with him. His dis- 
ease was inflammation of the lungs. 

In character, he was conscientious, zealous, un- 
pretending, judicious, and patient. Rev. Mr. Carroll, 
quoted above, said he had " no higher wish than to 



HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 49 



live as blamelessly, to die as safely, and to reign as 
gloriously as Simon Huntington." The faithful 
ashes sleep in the Wesleyan grave-yard of Wood- 
house, whose beauty elicited his admiration on the 
way to his last field of labor, but the soul, sur- 
mounting the death-dew and tomb-corruption, rests 
in the starlit home of angels, where the redeemed 
find 

" Their toils are past, their work is done. 
And they are fully blest." 

Rev. Comfort D. Fillmore was born in Frank- 
lin, Ct., July 8, 1792. He was the youngest of 
a family of fourteen, composed of seven sons and 
seven daughters. His mother was a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and in early life he 
was a subject of serious impressions. He was 
converted, Sept. 12, 1808 ; married Miss Annice 
Bailey, March 16, 1813 ; took ministerial license 
near 1828, and Deacon's Orders in 1834, from 
Bishop Hedding, from whom he received Elder's 
Orders in 1845. Until within a few years he has 
preached nearly every Sabbath, riding, much of the 
time, thirteen miles and upward, for a large por- 
tion of which he received no pecuniary compensa- 
tion. He left Franklin for Lisbon in 1848, and 
removed to Norwich in 1859. He was instrumental 
in the purchase of a parsonage for Norwich Circuit, 
which at that time included Norwich, Franklin, 
Salem, Colchester, Montville, Ledyard, Preston, 



50 HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 

Griswold, Lisbon, and Canterbury. It was situated 
at Franklin, and was held for about five years, 
when it was sold, and the avails divided among the 
respective societies. He has preached nearly seven 
hundred funeral sermons, and has seen his ministry 
blessed in the conversion of scores of the unregene- 
rate. Sharing the more early toils of the itinerants, 
though he has ceased from the active duties of the 
ministry, the memory of the past, its changes, mor- 
tality, and successes, is like " the music of Carryl, 
pleasant and mournful to the soul." 

The labors of Rev. Amaziah Fillmore, of early 
date, and Rev. Jehiel Fillmore, of a later period, 
as local preachers in Norwich and the surrounding 
towns, merit the gratitude of the Methodist Epis- 
copal churches of to-day, and add to the signal 
honors already bestowed upon the parent society. 

Although the ministerial career of Rev. Heze- 
kiah Thatcher was mostly in other places, yet his re- 
membrance is cherished among the brotherhood of 
his native town, in which his piety was unsullied. 

Rev. Norris G. Lippett, the pastor incumbent, 
was born at Killingly, Ct. He was converted at a 
camp meeting, held at Thompson, of that State, in 
the fourteenth year of his age, in which town he 
was also baptized and received into ecclesiastical 
membership by Rev. Abraham Holway. His rela- 
tion was changed to the M. E. Church of Daniel- 
son ville at its formation. He was licensed as a Local 
Preacher by Rev. R. W. Allen, November, 1846 ; 



HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHURCH. 51 

ordained Local Deacon by Bishop Janes atTVarren, 
R. L, April 6, 1851 ; and Local Elder by Bishop 
Scott at Norwich, April 4, 1858. During his resi- 
dence in Killingly, he preached seventeen months 
at North Killingly, and, having removed to Nor- 
wich in 1852, he began preaching at Eagle ville in 
the spring of 1853, where he continued two years. 
His next field of labor was at Norwich North, 
three years, during the last of which a revival 
followed, when sixty were converted. Greenville 
held him only the ensuing year, and he returned to 
Norwich North, and u occupied " until the autumn 
of 1862, when he supplied the pulpit of the M. E. 
Church of New London, until the ensuing Annual 
Conference. The following three years, he preach- 
ed at the Free Church of this city. The past year, 
he has held forth with his wonted success at the 
North M. E. Church, where revival interest has 
been enjoyed for several weeks. 

Rev. N. G. Lippitt possesses an excellent repu- 
tation among us as a man, Methodist, and minister. 
His sermons are redolent of acumen, spirituality, 
fervor, and practicalness, and his influence, life, 
family, and piety, are a worthy instance of what 
the Local Ministry might and would become, under 
favorable circumstances. 

It should be recorded that the pastorates of 
Bevs. Fardon T. Kenney and Sanford Benton were 
highly appreciated, and Bevs. George M. Carpen- 
ter, Frank Bill, and Walter Ela, witnessed revival 



52 HISTORY OF NORWICH NORTH CHU&CH. 



prosperity. Others have labored as sincerely, and 
their names are not only in the Book of Life, but 
also upon the escutcheon of the North M. E. 
Church. God rewards efforts and motives, not 
opportunities and chance results. 



OH AFT EE Y. 

THE M. E. CHURCH ON THE WHARF-BRIDGE. 

The first Methodist sermon of this city was preach- 
ed at the Landing, and has been previously noticed. 
The facilities tor worship afforded by the " Acade- 
my," together with the early conversion of several 
highly respected persons at Norwich North, attract- 
ed the greatest part of the primitive itinerant labors 
in this city. Still, the Landing was not forgotten, 
and sermons were occasionally preached in that lo- 
cality, by # the clergy of the circuit. Among the 
earliest places of worship employed by them was 
the residence of Mr. Ephraim Story.* He was a 
" Separatist," or rather he styled himself a " White- 
field Methodist," and was much interested at first 
in the new Order. His favor was changed, how- 
ever, upon learning that they held to final apostasy, 
and his house was for a time interdicted ; but, sub- 
sequently, a minister came into the place of whom 
it was reported that he did " not believe in falling 

* His residence was on West Main Street, near where the 
"Brook" crosses. 



54 M. E. CHURCH ON THE WHARF-BRIDGE. 

from grace," whereupon Mr. Story offered to him 
the occupation of his house for a sermon. The 
minister, in his exordium, said he had been informed 
that some Methodist preachers had taught that they 
" believed in the doctrine of falling from grace ; 
but," continued he, " I don't believe in any such 
doctrine. I believe it is wrong, yea, even wicked 
to fall from grace; I believe we should keep the 
grace committed unto us, and persevere even unto 
the end." 

Preaching was also soon held at the home of 
Mrs. Sarah Hull, and Mrs. Martha Geer, of precious 
memory, the daughter of Mrs. Hull. Their house 
may still be seen near the corner of Thames Street, 
on the road to the " Pottery." 

The entire family of Mrs. Geer were all convert- 
ed and joined the class at an early date. Both 
Mrs. Hull and her daughter were greatly respected 
and beloved for their moral and religious char- 
acter. 

In 1798, a small class was formed at the Landing, 
greatly upon the encouragement furnished by the 
arrival of Rev. John Beatty and his wife, from 
Ireland. Their house, which was speedily opened 
for divine worship, was situated near the Broadway 
Church. 

The following are believed to have been mem- 
bers of that primitive class : Sarah Hull, Martha 
Geer, William Geer, Mary Tabor, Mary Jeffers, 
Edward Ewen, Lydia Ewen, John Beatty, Mary 



M. E. CHURCH ON THE WHARF-BRIDGE. 55 



Beatty, Alfred Carpenter, James Miner, Lydia 
Miner, Sarah Edwards, Anna Joy, a Mrs. Elderkin, 
and a few more. Mr. Jones was one of its earliest 
leaders, and was impressive in prayer and exhor- 
tation. In 1800, Mr. Beatty removed to Water 
Street, and, his residence not being suitable for 
meetings, the " Old Masonic Hall," a large upper 
room, situated on the north side of the same street, 
was hired for divine worship — fit place in which to 
initiate into the Highest Degree. Here, in the 
absence of the circuit preachers, Revs. William 
Gurley and John Beatty, wbo were local preach- 
ers, dispensed the " Word of Life " to a devoted 
company, and the class seemed to have prospered 
until their removal from the neighborhood or city. 

In 1805, from the diminution of its numbers, the 
remaining members were transferred to the class at 
Norwich JSTorth. For the two successive years, 
meetings were held occasionally at the Landing, by 
special request. In the spring of 1807, Rev. David 
N. Bentley removed to a house which he had pur- 
chased, and invited the ministers to preach in it, 
which they, accepting, came at irregular times in 
the evening. During the ensuing year, preaching 
was maintained once in about four weeks for a 
part of the year, and the two years that succeeded 
experienced no change for the better in respect to 
the regular ministry. As the distance to the 
u Academy" was so great, in the latter part of 
1810, meetings were commenced in the house of 



56 M. E. CHURCH ON THE WHARF-BRIDGE. 



Rev. D. N. Bentley, and continued until Confer- 
ence. Bishop McKendree and Presiding Elder 
Hedding, on their way to the annual session, pass- 
ed a night at the house of Mr. Bentley, and, learn- 
ing the condition of the members at the Landing, 
determined to provide them with a pastor in the 
future. 

Accordingly, on the eleventh day of August, 
1811, Rev. Jonathan Chaney preached at the house 
of Mr. Bentley, at two o'clock, p. m., and formed the 
members present into an independent society. The 
society consisted of eleven members, Thankful 
Pierce, the mother of the Methodists in this city, 
Martha Greer, who entertained the -preachers, Jere- 
miah Griffing, the class-leader, David 1ST. Bentley, 
Letitia Bentley, William Callyhan, Betsey Cally- 
han, Lydia Ewen, Abigail Davison, Mary Jeffers, 
and William 0. Boon. During the year, Sabbath 
services were held by the circuit preachers once in 
two weeks, first at the house of Mr. Bentley, and 
then, after several months, an upper room was hired 
in a building situated on the north side of the 
wharf-bridge called the " Market," which was car- 
ried off by the September gale of 1815. This room 
proving insufficient for the congregation, the sail- 
loft in the same vicinity was substituted, and the 
earliest service held in it was upon the first Sabbath 
in May, 1814. Upon the return of cold weather, 
refuge was again sought at the house of Mr. Bent- 
ley, who appears as a prominent character of those 



M. E. CHURCH ON THE WHARF-BRIDGE. 57 

early times. In the spring of 1815, the " McCurdy 
School-room " was procured for divine service. It 
was located nearly in the rear of Messrs. I. M. 
Bidwell & Sons 5 shoe-store, and was reached by a 
long flight of stone steps. On one occasion, some 
mischievous boys covered the chimney, which was 
easily accessible from the rear of the building ; and 
the devoted assembly were compelled to vacate 
under a cloud of smoke. 

Early in the spring of 1816, Mr. Bentley, after 
inviting assistance from others, but meeting no 
success, contracted, upon his own responsibility, for 
the erection of a church, 36x30 feet, to be located 
on the north side of Wharf Bridge. In order to 
complete the undertaking, after having expended 
his personal means, he mortgaged his house upon 
a loan of six hundred dollars. Rev. Ebenezer Blake, 
on his first tour around the New London Circuit, 
preached in the forenoon of August 17, 1816, at 
Norwich North, and at two o'clock, p. m., he came 
to the Landing, and dedicated the new church, tak- 
ing for a text, Ps. lxxviii. 20. The church was filled 
to overflowing, and the occasion deeply solemn and 
interesting. It would be difficult to imagine the 
joy of that early society over their new place of 
worship, after having changed so repeatedly from 
" pillar to post," and sufiering inconveniences, 
which it is doubtful if the more comfortable piety 
of to-day would be willing to accept. Though the 
intervening years were highly prosperous, 1819 

3* 



53 M. E. CHURCH ON THE WHARF-BRIDGE. 

was particularly marked for a revival under the 
labors of Rev. J. Newland Maffitt. He had come 
to New London in pursuit of his brother, whom he 
found absent at a camp-meeting at Thompson, Ct. 
Here Mr. Maffitt desired authority to preach ; 'but 
having omitted to bring his credentials, the minis- 
ters gave Rev. Edward Hyde discretionary power 
to license or reject him. 

Being at a loss how to dispose of him, he was 
intrusted to Rev. D. N. Bentley, who brought 
him home in his own carriage. The next Sabbath, 
being indisposed, he was absent from church ; but 
an appointment was made for the Tuesday evening 
after,"* when he preached to the admiration of all, 
and was requested to preach the succeeding night, 
which was attended with greater manifestations, 
only to be increased by 4he effort of the following 
evening. He was the first in this locality to invite 
the penitents forward for prayer, a custom which 
meets with increasing favor, and has confirmed the 
resolutions of thousands. He remained under the 
official care of Mr. Bentley about four weeks, when 
he proceeded to New London and other places, and 
nearly everywhere his ministrations were attended 
with the most remarkable revivals. 

The Norwich Circuit, taken from the New Lon- 
don Circuit, included Norwich, Franklin, Lisbon, 
Jewett City, Griswold, Gale's Ferry, Uncasville, 
MontviDe, and Bozrah, together with several inci- 

* Mr. Maffitt' s first sermon in America. 



M. E. CHURCH ON THE WHARF-BRIDGE. 59 

dental appointments. Although, the territory of 
the circuit embracing Norwich was hereby greatly 
diminished, the amount of time to be deyoted to 
this city appears to haye suffered little change, and 
the labors of Mr. Bentley are worthy of special 
gratitude in the conseryation of Methodism among 

US. 

It will be remembered that the preachers, first 
of Xew London Circuit, and afterward of Norwich 
Circuit, though not mentioned consecutiyely in the 
history, will be found in the Appendix, by reference 
to which, the regular ministry of any year may be 
determined for any of the churches existing during 
the time the circuit system obtained. 

The years previous to 1823 were redolent of good 
to the Landing Society ; but during that conference 
year, the great flood of Feb. 23, 1824 bore away 
their joy and pride, leayiiig the feeble and sorrow- 
ing band in the deepest consternation. The church- 
building was wrested from its foundations, and 
carried on the bosom of the raging main like 
some huge ark, until, when nearly opposite the 
" boiler shop," the current of the Shetucket turned 
its course upon a large rock, felling its sides, and 
dismissing the roof, which was neyer heard of, while 
the floor landed on the flats, nearly opposite 
Allen's Point. Just previous to its dislocation, 
Mr. Bentley entered it, and removed the Bible 
and Hymn Book. The Society was left in debt, 
and a superficial interpretation might have ren- 



60 



M. E. CHURCH ON THE WHARF-BRIDGE. 



dered the event ominous of the divine displeasure; 
but,— 

" Far, far above thy thought 
His counsel shall appear, 
"When fully He the work hath wrought 
That caused thy needless fear." 

Like Aaron's rod, cut off from the parent tree, 
the Society shall yet blossom in other parts, and its 
influence, like fragrance, be scattered over a wider 
territory. 



CHAPTEE VI. 



HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 

Overwhelmed by the loss of the church on the 
Wharf-Bridge, the feeble Society at the Landing 
experienced little but hopelessness. Among the 
few that dreamed of relief was Mr. Bentley, who 
now, under God, as often at other times, became 
the successful pilot to direct the tempested church 
into unwonted prosperity. 

The Episcopalians of this city, contemplating the 
erection of a new church, invited them to unite in 
a petition to the General Assembly of the State, 
requesting the grant of a "Lottery" to raise the 
sum of $20,000, to aid in building a house of wor- 
ship for each Society. The legal sanction of lot- 
teries, in those times, was of frequent occurrence. 

The following example, taken from a Norwich 
paper of 1801, will serve to illustrate the views 

* Called "Falls," 1837; "Norwich Centre," 1853; "Sachem 
Street," 1855 : " Norwich Centre " resumed in Quarterly 'Conference 
March 22, 1856, and retained till 1859, when "Sachem Street" 
resumed. 



62 HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 

which were current respecting the morale of lot- 
teries : " The Presbyterian Meeting-house in Nor- 
wich, First Society, having been the last winter 
destroyed by an incendiary, the Honorable Legisla- 
ture, in May last, granted said Society a lottery, to 
enable it to rebuild the same, consisting of 4,800 tick- 
ets at three dollars each, highest prize $1,000." 

Further notice the following : " The object of this 
lottery, and the scheme to advance it, are such as 
to engage the attention, both of the speculating ad- 
'venturer, and those who, from, principles of duty 
and benevolence, are disposed to contribute to the 
best interests of society," &c. Truly " vox populi" 
changing as the seasons, is far from being infallibly 
" vox Dei," and the sanction of a custom so baneful 
to public weal and morality, has lost none too soon 
the countenance of the moral and religious. 

The plan proposed was ineffectual, as the Legis- 
lature had previously bestowed a grant for another 
object, extending over several years; but Colonel 
Elisha Tracy, of this city, introduced a resolution 
authorizing the Governor to issue a proclamation 
to all the churches of Connecticut, of every denomi- 
nation, to take a contribution, on a specified Sab- 
bath, for the benefit of the Methodists in Norwich 
Landing. The resolution passed both branches of 
the Legislature by a large majority, and the procla- 
mation was duly signed by Governor Wolcott, and 
recommended to the liberality of all the people. 
For reasons amply adequate, and especially because 



HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 63 



it was feared the collection would be at the expense 
of a regular collection for some benevolent object, 
which was taken about this time among many of 
the churches, the Brief of the Governor netted only 
$463.32. 

During this suspension of public service, the 
Landing Society had been invited to meet in 
various places : in the Congregational Church, 
nearly opposite the Otis Library ; in the Univer- 
salist Church, as they had no regular ministry at 
that time ; and in the Baptist Church, their pastor 
being sick. The Episcopal Church was also gener- 
ously tendered, and, on one occasion, Hector Pad- 
dock performed the church service, and Mr. Bentley 
preached the usual sermon. The catholic kindness 
of the churches at this period of disaster merits the 
grateful recognition of those who in brighter days 
rejoice in witnessing their spiritual growth. Long 
may God live to bless his friends and the friends of 
Methodists, where the kindly breath of " The Rose 
of Sharon " gently distils on " The Bose of New 
England." 

Instead of applying the funds received from the 
Brief toward the liquidation of the debt on the lost 
church, Mr. Bentley, who was responsible, proposed 
to make it a nucleus for another house of worship, 
and, receiving promise of aid if the church should 
be located at the Falls, concluded to build it at that 
place. Mr. J. H. Burchard gave the site. Up- 
wards of $500 was raised on subscription, and a 



64 HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 



contract was made to do all except the inside work 
for $800. It stands on the old site, but is now con- 
verted into a carriage factory, owned by Mr. A. R. 
Bingham. 

Its corner-stone was laid by the Freemasons, 
and a plan of the audience-room being made out, 
and the slips prized according to their eligibility, 
an annual amount was stipulated to be paid on 
each until the debt, that was requisite for comple- 
tion, should be cancelled. Under this indemnifica- 
tion Mr. Bentley negotiated a loan of $500, and 
became the trustee of the house, which was dedi- 
cated June 19, 1825, by Rev. J. A. Merrill, Pre- 
siding Elder of the District, on his return from 
Conference. The Society had become reduced to 
forty-five, but, still loving their "Alma Mater, " 
" they found themselves once more happily seated " 
in a house of God, where the " fruit of the Gospel 
was sweet to their taste."* The Society rapidly 
increased, and in about a year reported one hundred 
and eighty-three members. For several years after, 
the Society experienced little that was extraordi- 
nary in the territory of the present Sachem Street 
M. E. Church. Some reverses followed from the 
fluctuating employment of members, who, after 

* See Appendix C for the class of 1827. Since about 1813, a 
class had been formed at the Falls, Mr. Jeremiah Ladd, whose 
residence was near the old Engine-house of that portion of the city, 
being its first leader. From 1823 to 1826 Mr. Jeremiah Griffing 
was leader. 



HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 65 



conversion, were compelled to seek labor in other 
parts. Still, the additions by profession repaired 
in great measure this diminution, and the spiritu- 
ality of the church was maintained in a commend- 
able degree. However, the year 1835 was especially 
signal for a revival under the labors of Rev. William 
Livesey. It should be premised that Norwich was 
made a Station in 1833, consisting of three Sabbath 
appointments, — Norwich North, the Falls, and 
Chelsea Landing. In a meeting held at the resi- 
dence of Mr. John Perry, June 2, 1834, it was 

"Resolved, first, That it is expedient _ to divide the Norwich 
Station, so as to make that part of the town called Bean Hill, <fec, 
into one Station for one preacher ; and that the other part, called 
the Falls, the Landing, and Greenville, compose the Norwich City 
Station ; and that the Conference leave it with the Presiding Elder 
to supply, as circumstances may seem to require. 

" Resolved, secondly, That a copy of the foregoing resolution be 
sent to the ensuing New England Conference, as an expression of 
the wishes of the Methodist Society in Norwich City. 

" Resolved, thirdly, That in case the Conference make the Nor- 
wich City Society a separate Station, and leave us without a Con- 
ference preacher this year, that we will use the same exertions to 
make collections, both in public and in the classes, as if we had a 
preacher from Conference." 

The petition conveyed in the above resolutions 
was granted, and upon division, 1834, the two 
classes at the Falls numbered about sixty members, 
and the Norwich City Station was supplied by Eev. 
D. N. Bentley, preacher in charge, and Revs. George 
May and John Blackmer, Assistant Local Preach- 



66 HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 

ers. Mr. Livesey divided his labors the ensuing 
year between the Falls and Landing, and, soon 
after his appointment to this city, a deep religious 
interest was awakened at both places. Early in 
September a " protracted meeting " was commenced 
at the Falls, and after four or five days, the " moral 
heavens began not only to shower, but to pour 
down a steady rain, which continued with little in- 
termission for about three months." The work ex- 
tended to other appointments within the city, and 
more than two hundred probationers were enrolled 
within the Norwich City Station at the expiration 
of the year. 

So great was the increase of members at the 
Falls, they petitioned for a separate relation in the 
Quarterly Conference held May 22, 1835, and the 
request was amicably conceded by the members of 
the Landing. 

The subsequent history of this church is remarka- 
bly even in its tenor. The pacific character of its 
members, the perfection of its monetary system, the 
absence of official emulation, and the piety and 
sociability of the Society, have all tended to discount 
fluctuation, and conserve general harmony in its 
action. The ministry has tended to the same result, 
spiritual, faithful, and irreproachable. While many 
will long be remembered as leaving a blessing among 
the people, an unusual revival crowned the labors 
of Rev. A. Latham in 1841, which was only second 
to that under Rev. William Livesey. 



HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH* 67 

The minutes give especially increased member- 
ship for the pastorates of Revs. F. Fisk, B. M. 
Walker, and D. H. Ela. Rev. William Leonard 
conferred lasting honor upon himself by effecting 
the purchase of the present house of worship, after 
much painstaking and discouragement, in 1853.* 

A motion had been set on foot to repair or build, 
when, by the royal munificence and catholicity of 
the lamented William P. Greene, Esq., and the 
liberality of other gentlemen, the church was duly 
purchased, and has since been held by a Methodist 
Ecclesiastical Society, duly incorporated. The 
amount paid was $2,765.66, a sum incomparable 
with the beauty of the site, one of the best in the 
city, and the value of the edifice. Mr. Henry B. 
Norton and others had contemplated converting it, 
after purchase, into a Ladies' Seminary, but gen- 
erously relinquished their design. The services of 
Rev. H. W. Conant are equally honored by the 
liquidation of the debt incurred, and the manner of 
effecting it. Leaving each donor to judge what he 
ought to give, and withholding the sums pledged 
by others from publicity for a period, he secured 
the requisite amount, and, in this very just and 
honorable manner, removed an incubus which was 
becoming troublesome. 

Perhaps the years 1865, '66, will be remembered 

* It was opened with a sermon by Bishop Baker, from Ps. xlviii. 
12 and 13. 



i 



68 HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 

for a revival, that, commencing in the fall of the 
former year, continued with varying success till the 
spring of 1867. Signalized at no time by the great 
excitement which sin and its penalty warrant, but 
rather by deep interest and reflection, Christianity 
won many to its privileges, and a feature, remarka- 
ble with many of the converts, was the idea that 
there is really no sacrifice nor cross in the Chris- 
tian life. The requirements of the Christian reli- 
gion they believed to be opportunities, dictated by 
reason and love, not by divine capriciousness, nor 
unrequited necessity. Sin pays nothing for every 
thing : virtue pays every thing for a little. While, 
before God, each one is a matter of high interest, 
it would hardly be just to truth and the Holy 
Spirit not to record that some of the conversions 
were deeply interesting in character. Mr. Rufus 
Ladd, long time respected for his general integrity, 
became so impressed by a sermon from the text, 
u Am I my brother's keeper ?" that he subsequently 
declared he was upon the point of arising and 
disclaiming his responsibility for the salvation of 
others. A few evenings after, he came forward to 
the altar of penitents, and said, " I have been in 
the habit of believing Christians in this community, 
and would as soon have their word as their note 
upon all except one thing. This conversion, the 
new-birth, I never could understand." With almost 
a breathless anxiety, the audience awaited the se- 
quel, and he continued : u But I'm going to take the 



HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 



69 



Bible for my guide, and if there is any thing in 
religion, I'm going to find it." He soon reported 
that the " Grace of God is a big thing" and only 
regretted inability to express it. Though contained 
within his " philosophy," a little beyond his phi- 
losophy is the "modus operandi" of the Spirit in 
regeneration. Simultaneously with his interesting 
wife and household, he was initiated into the high- 
est honor of mortals, or rather immortals. And 
may the day be far distant when their opportunities 
for well-spent probation shall be numbered. 

The regenerative experience of Mr. Sylvester 
Subert and Captain Daniel T. Adams, the latter of 
whom commenced to seek Christ with little or no 
unusual feeling, will long be remembered with 
many others, of whom was Miss Elizabeth A. 
Chappell, already gone for the many-mansioned 
home, to pioneer the way for those who must soon 
follow. 

The list of deceased historic members contains 
bright examples of piety, activity, and consecration. 
Among the recent, the name of Mrs. Lydia P. Hop- 
kins is highly honored. From the funeral sermon, 
which was committed to press by her affectionate 
and highly respected children, we clip the follow- 
ing :— 

" Sister Lydia P. Hopkins, whose translation we mourn to-day, 
departed this life January 17, 1866, aged 72. Until recently, her 
health has been singularly good. Step by step, for the last two 
years, has the 'sable shepherd' been approaching to gather from 



70 HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 

the damp cold meads of earth a member of his flock, whose un- 
complaining attitude gave evidence of a desire to be led within the 
heavenly fold. She was converted under the labors of Revs. R. 
Ransom and L. B. Griffing, in 1829, in connection with her estima- 
ble husband, who preceded her to heaven by a period of twenty- 
four years. 

" Her Christian life has been characterized by great consistency. 
Her temperament was even, and, in harmony with this, her reli- 
gious experience was the same. She pursued an even tenor to the 
skies. Her mind was naturally strong, and her views well taken. 
"While others flagged in the journey, because temporary stimulus 
had been withdrawn, she persisted in her life of faith, and to-day 
from her starlit seat she may look on the sad wreck of souls, who, 
wearied of the 'narrow way,' deserted to the 'broad road.' She 
was deeply interested in all that pertained to the welfare of Zion. 
Whenever a revival obtained in the churches, she was especially 
delighted, and evinced most plainly that the life of the church was 
the life of her joys. Until prevented by infirmity, her attendance 
on the social means of grace was regular, and in them she nearly 
always participated. Though catholic in sentiment, and loving all 
the churches of Christ, she was deeply attached to the church of 
her choice, its doctrines and economy. Consistency, fidelity, punc- 
tuality, spirituality, faith, and sympathy with Christian interests, 
have been prominent in her religious life." 

Of her husband, Mr. Joseph O. Hopkins, Rev. A. 
Latham, who delivered his funeral sermon,* said : 
" To tell you that he was a respected, beloved, and 
useful citizen, would be but little of the truth con- 
cerning him. To tell you that he discharged the 
duties of a husband and father faithfully and affec- 
tionately, would be only to reiterate the language of 
the sighs and tears of the now widowed wife and 



* Preached December 5, 1841 r and printed the following year. 



HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 71 

fatherless children. But he was a Christian — a 
humble, unobtrusive, consistent, faithful Christian." 

Mrs. Eliza Hurlburt, after an unostentatious 
devotion to Christ, ended in peace her sufferings, 
and, in the cold and dark of dying, left her fidelity 
and faith to one, who, with a stricken father, is 
sitting in the lights and shadows of two worlds. 

Charge it to personal interest, but the conscious 
pen refuses to pass by the demise of little Minnie 
Allen, who slept the last sleep in the Shepherd's 
arms, and who fills some mysterious niche in the 
revolution of divine events. God's young, who 
fight not the " fight of faith," but of pain and mor- 
tality, for the sake of others, merit a place even with 
the martyrs of the Church. 

Miss Elizabeth M. Phillips, daughter of Rev. 
Joseph H. Phillips, died early to earth, sin, and 
sorrow, and lived early to heaven, Christ, and her- 
self. 

Earlier, the name of Miss Carrie M. Bowers, the 
estimable daughter of Mr. John E. Bowers, whose 
mention prompts a willing respect, honors the cause 
of her early espousal, and was equally honored by 
a peaceful exodus to life's land. 

Mrs. Martha Witter held an even but upward 
tenor in spiritual living, and, though " being dead, 
yet speaketh." 

11 The age that in heaven they spend, 
For ever and ever shall last." 



72 HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 

Mrs. Deborah B. Crandall, wife of Rev. Phineas 
Crandall, died a highly respected member of the 
Sachem St. Church, March 3, 1864. She was pos- 
sessed of many charms and excellencies of character ? 
and enjoyed the lasting friendship of a large circle 
of acquaintances. Rev. D. N. Bentley baptized her 
at Jewett City, June 17, 1821, since which time she 
remained a bright example of Christian character, 
until summoned to enter " the joy of her Lord." 
Her mother, the venerable Mrs. Wait Cady, soon 
followed, from a neighboring State, and, truly, in 
her departure the Methodist Church suffered no 
common loss. Seldom or never has it been our lot 
to witness such devotion, faith, prayer, and spirit- 
uality as were manifested in this Christian lady. 
Heaven, hell, angels, devils, Christ, and eternity 
were so real in her consciousness, that the promises 
or warnings of God, and the foretastes of futurity, 
were an inexhaustible source of joy or activity. 
Mrs. Thankful Hempstead, the mother of the late 
Rev. Henry E. Hempstead, of the New England 
Conference, was among the most respected of the 
earlier members. Two of her daughters, Mrs. Maria 
Bowers and Mrs. Esther Farrington, live in the 
grateful recognition of this church, which blesses 
the memory of the translated mother, whose Chris- 
tian life was as illustrious as it was valuable. 

Mr. William Fletcher was one of the earliest 
members of the Sachem St. Church. His piety was 
of a high order, and his devotion constant. He 



HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 



73 



lived long to glorify the interests of the church he 
so tenderly loved, and a whole Society wept at his 
grave, April, 1855. 

Mr. Joseph W. Kimon, for many years a licensed 
exhorter, was a faithful and respected member, and 
the records add, he 4% died well." 

"0 for the death of those 
Who slumber in the Lord." 

Of the Robinsons, Mr. Franklin Robinson and 
wife, Mrs. Harriet Robinson, and Mr. Warren 
Robinson and wife, afterwards Mrs. Diantha Hop- 
kins, and daughter Harriet, were among the dying, 
but now the living members of the church, the 
memory of whom is blessed. Mr. Amos E. Cobb, 
Jr., died in the commencement of his usefulness, 
but he lived long enough to evince the purity of a 
Christian character, whose light goes not out in the 
sanctuary of home. 

Mrs. Tryphena Brady, wife of the esteemed Mr. 
John G. Brady, departed this life April 12 ; 1859. 
She lived, and therefore died well, as also Mr. 
Frederick C. Stedman, Mr. Henry Welch, Mrs. 
Rhoda Thompson, and Miss Prudence Willett. 

Among the present members are many meriting 
notice. There are few Societies where the same 
proportions are ornaments, and so few are blemishes. 
The Board of Stewards consists of Messrs. Benja- 
min Upham, Charles Hopkins, Xehemiah Upham, 

4 



74: HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 

Amos E. Cobb, Charles H. Allen, William H. Ham- 
ilton, Edwin S. Barrows, Daniel J. Woodward, and 
William H. Hurlburt. The class-leaders are Messrs. 
M. P. Lewis, who has also been a successful super- 
intendent of the Sunday-school for many years, Asa 
Manning, a veteran leader and pillar of the church, 
and James Babcock, who has been, with some inter- 
ruption from change of locality, a class-leader for 
thirty years. Messrs. John E. Bowers, William 
Lampher, William Greenman, and Jared G. Dennis 
formerly held the same honorable distinction. 
While it seems almost invidious to select among the 
general excellency of the recent membership, Messrs. 
Samuel Hopkins, Rufus M. Ladd, Sylvester Subert, 
Daniel T. Adams, Lewis A. Lamphere, several of 
Mr. James C. Rogers's family, in a word, all the 
members of the " Praying Band " furnish a just 
pride for the church, while their lives promise to 
their faith, if persistent, no common rank and joy 
for the endless future. 

Among those whose active membership has been 
longer, are Messrs. Austin Bliss, George L. Yeomans, 
Horace E. Burke, Henry R. Gardner, Hylon N. 
Perry, Freeborn O. Fletcher, Alvin B. Bliss, and 
Robert Atcherson, while several who have too 
recently experienced religion for full communion, 
promise not only happiness to themselves, but use- 
fulness to the church militant. 

The family of Rev. Nelson Goodrich, who has 



HISTORY OF SACHEM STEEET CHURCH. 75 

continued to fill regular appointments in the itine- 
rant ministry, reside in this place, and, unlike what 
sometimes occurs, are a valuable supplement to 
the membership. Miss Eliza Goodrich, the eldest 
daughter, has opened a private school under fa- 
vorable auspices, and is eminently worthy of the 
patronage she is receiving. 

Rev. Joseph H. Phillips, a local preacher, is 
highly respected, and although not " slothful in busi- 
ness," is " fervent in spirit," and a useful member ol 
the Society. 

The Perry family has been prominent in the 
history of Norwich Methodism. Mr. John Perry 
and wife, Mrs. Mary B. Perry, removed to Norwich 
Palls in March, 1827, where they remained mem- 
bers for about three years, when they united with 
the Xorth M. E. Church. Here Mr. Perry was 
steward and class-leader until the day of his death, 
April 12, 1841, his wife having deceased the pre- 
vious year, November 16. Their son, Mr. John B. 
Perry, was made superintendent of the Sunday- 
school upon his first Sabbath at the Falls, and soon 
a leader of the Sunday class, Mr. Ira Allen being 
leader of the Saturday-evening class. He also led 
an early class formed at the Landing. Class- 
meetings were held at his house for fifteen years, 
and he often led the prayer-meetings of Sunday and 
Wednesday evenings for ten years. Liberal in the 
religious disbursement of his means, his house was 
the home of the primitive itinerant ; and, early at 



76 HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 

the sick-room, and late at the open grave, his activ- 
ity is seldom excelled. His sister, Mrs. Mary Derby, 
is a beloved and consistent member of the Main 
Street M. E. Church, whom many of God's ambas- 
sadors have reason to remember with no common 
or fleeting gratitude. 

The venerable Mrs. Lois Edwards, nearly blinded 
by years, still lingers among the church militant, 
" only waiting for the boatman," and the dawning 
of celestial day. Her daughter, Mrs. Eunice H. 
Welch, and granddaughter, Mrs. Hannah R., wife 
of Mr. Alvin B. Bliss, have entered upon the same 
Christian experience, and are a living example of 
the influence of parental education. 

The sisterhood of this Society merits especial 
commendation. In general, they are characterized 
by harmony, freedom from detraction, kindness 
and sympathy in the hour of affliction, and consist- 
ency of religious life. In the Sabbath-school, the 
class-room, the sewing society, the parlor, and 
death-room, they command general respect, and the 
mention of one would compel the mention of many. 
Mrs. Charles Witter and Mrs. Austin Bliss, though 
not members of the Society in name, have done 
much for a foster-mother, who forgets not her bene- 
factresses. Such a sisterhood has earned the right 
to testify at least in the common courts of Jesus ; 
and if earth is the place to prepare for activity in 
futurity, surely the Christian Church can as ill 
afford to deprive woman of acquiring the public 



HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 



77 



" ton " of heaven, as prevent itself from reaping the 
power of her peerless exhortation and monition. 

Eev. Edward Augustus Manning, son of Mr. Asa 
Manning, was born at Norwich, August 6, 1820. 
His early life was characterized by manliness, 
selected friendship, and morality. He was con- 
verted September, 1835. baptized and received into 
the Church during the pastorate of Eev. William 
Livesey. He entered upon the trade of type-setting 
at the printing-office of the " Xorwich Courier," 
where he soon became foreman, and in this capacity 
remained till he had nearly attained majority. 

He entered the AYesleyan Academy at Wilbraham, 
August 4, 1841, with forty dollars, all told. Here, 
by ©Teat economv, and a gentle exercise at sawing 
wood, he continued a year, when, his means failing, 
he was employed, by the kindness of F. Rand, Esq., 
agent of the Zion's Herald Association, in the 
printing-office of the "Herald," and afterwards in 
that of David H. Ela, Esq. In 1S42 he resumed 
his studies at the Academy, where he closed the 
academic year, beloved and influential. He had 
received exhorter's license as early as 1841, and 
during his stay at Wilbraham had " improved " 
upon it several times. He soon became local 
preacher, Eev. Eeuben Eansom being presiding 
elder. His admission to Conference as a probationer 
took place at Boston, in Church Street, 1S43, where 
he was first appointed to the Asbury Chapel, at 
Springfield. 



78 HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 

He found the Society in a feeble condition, hav- 
ing been greatly reduced by changes that had taken 
place in the United States Armory, located in the 
vicinity of the church, but more seriously broken 
down by the excitement attending the preaching of 
Millerism. Indeed, on arriving at his appointment, 
so disastrous had been the influence of this excite- 
ment among the churches as well as the community, 
that the brethren had not expected a preacher. 
They concluded, however, to try for three months, 
and then decide whether or not to disband. The 
year was passed prosperously, however, but, owing 
to the interruption of employment in the Armory, 
the reduction of wages, and other causes, the Society 
was the next year merged in the new enterprise of 
the Pynchon Street charge. 

At the close of the year he was married to Miss 
Edna A. Geer, of Norwich, by Rev. Richard Live- 
sey, in the Main Street M. E. Church, in presence 
of quite a large congregation, on the 17th day of 
July, 1844. 

His next Station was at South Hadley Falls, 
where the great secession of Rev. O. Scott had left 
its ruinous effects upon the Society. He found the 
church greatly dispirited and demoralized, for in 
addition to the folly of secession, a predecessor had 
lent his influence not a little to the encouragement 
of a strong anti-temperance party in the community. 
He had even invited to membership in the church 
a person who had been virtually excommunicated 



HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 



79 



from another church on account of his intemperate 
habits ; whom he found installed as chorister. 

"With all prudence and firmness he commenced 
privately to effect a correction of this sad state of 
things, so far as the chorister was concerned, hold- 
ing up at the same time the great principles of 
abstinence, characteristic of our discipline. 

All his efforts in this direction proved unavailing, 
however, for he could neither persuade the man to 
leave off his tippling (which was notorious), nor 
take himself out of the way ; neither could he per- 
suade the official board, as such, to act in concert 
with him, or indeed to act at all. They even 
refused to make any efforts to raise money for the 
relief of his family. His circumstances, owing to 
the sickness of his family, became exceedingly 
embarrassed, and the threat was made by a leading 
steward, that if he meddled with the temperance 
question, he would risk his support. He quickly 
responded to this intimation, " Then I do risk my 
support" The risk was incurred only so far as the 
official members were concerned, for the friends of 
temperance in the place, getting an inkling of what 
was going on, made him a princely donation, so 
that he left the place without being in debt. 

The next Station, Chesterfield, Mass., was signal- 
ized by the building of a church edifice. At the 
close, however, of two years, such was the earnest 
desire of the people for his return, that, with the 
presiding elder's advice and consent, upon the idea 



80 HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 

that a connection of Chesterfield with some other 
charge might be effected, throwing it into a circuit, 
and he might remain another year. He removed 
his family into a new house which had been bought 
expressly for him before the session of Conference. 
Bishop Hedding positively declined sanctioning the 
elder's plan, and he was removed to Charlemont, 
Mass., where he remained two years, enjoying a 
very extensive revival. 

In Enfield he remained but one year, although 
strongly urged to stay longer. 

In South Walpole he enjoyed a good revival 
during the two years he remained there, yet it was 
a period of much affliction, the mother of Mrs. 
Manning and two precious daughters being taken 
away by the " sable shepherd." 

From this charge he was sent to Neponset, where 
the Lord rewarded his labors with converts, but 
was removed at the end of this Conference year to 
the city of Charlestown, and stationed at the Union 
Church. He had been but six weeks here, when, 
by an accident to a train of cars, he received such 
injuries that he was disabled from duty for the rest 
of that year, and most of the two years following, 
during which he was on the superannuated list. In 
1855 he supplied for the most of the year the charge 
in South Danvers. 

In 1856, '57, he was stationed in Lynn, at the 
Boston Street charge, but was unable to give him- 
self up so arduously to the work as he desired, as 



HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 



8.1 



his health was far from being confirmed, and he 
was under the necessity of seeking all possible out- 
door exercises. 

At the end of his term of labor here, he was sent 
to Waltham, where, much improved, he was enabled 
to renew his work with something of his former 
vigor. An old and dilapidated church was removed, 
remodeled, and enlarged ; subsequently burnt, then 
rebuilt. Meanwhile a very gracious outpouring of 
God's Spirit was enjoyed, so that, at the end of three 
years, during the latter of which he was a " super- 
numerary/' he left the Society with a fine church 
edifice, worth some 818,000, and a parsonage worth 
$2,000, incumbered by only $5,000, the membership 
nearly doubled, and the congregation largely in- 
creased. The church property previously was rated 
at 81,500. 

Thence he removed to Salem, where his health 
became so miserable that he was removed at the 
end of the year to Bennington Street charge, Bos- 
ton, whence, after a highly successful pastorate, he 
was sent to the Centenary charge of the same city, 
where he is now passing his third year. 

Mr. Manning is a highly successful minister of 
the Gospel. His amiability is a power which is 
mirrored in a generous face and carriage. Dignity 
amid affability, cheerfulness amid gravity, personal 
sacrifice amid firmness in principle, are prominent 
features in his character. As a minister, he is 
earnest, evangelical, persuasive, and spiritual. He 

4* 



82 



HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 



enjoys the happy art of accommodating himself to 
circumstances and individuals; possesses a great 
knowledge of human nature; is admirably adapted 
to the financial interests of a Society, and his repu- 
tation as a church-builder has widely transpired. 
He is esteemed as a pastor and friend, honored as a 
minister, and efficient as a promoter of temperance. 
His manly and successful efforts to prepare for use- 
fulness are proof-text of a persistent energy, and 
God will live long enough to complete a remunera- 
tion the church can never bestow. 

Rev. Billy Hibbard was born in this town, near 
the " Star Farm," February 24, 1771. His parents 
were Nathan Hibbard and Mahetable Crosby, who 
died when he was about two years of age. His 
father afterwards married Miss Phebe Fitch, of 
whom he says, %t> The first things of importance that 
I can remember were the instructions of this good 
woman." His education was limited in character, 
and his influence and success as an itinerant minis- 
ter is to be largely attributed to God and native 
talent. He was highly sensitive to the monitions 
of conscience in youth, and yet appears to have 
become early profane. When about twelve years 
of age he experienced religion, and continued in 
great peace until the tenets of unconditional election 
and reprobation led into unrest and trepidation of 
soul. He records : " Often when I have been going 
in secret for prayer and meditation, it has bolted 
into my mind, If you are elected to be saved, you 



HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 



S3 



will be saved; and if you are reprobated to be 
damned, you will be damned, and why need you 
pray so much I" His mind became so oppressed 
under these views, he prepared at one time to com- 
mit suicide by hanging, but was prevented by the 
sudden presence of his brother. He was led to this 
sad conclusion from the following reasoning : " If 
God has elected me, I can never be lost ; if God 
has reprobated me, I can never be saved ; and if I 
live ever so religiously until I am eighty or ninety 
years old, I must notwithstanding be damned, and 
have a more aggravated damnation than I would if 
I were to hang myself and go to hell now ; besides, 
if I were to hang myself, I should thereby put my- 
self beyond the power of committing any more sin, 
and the Lord knows that I would suffer almost any 
thing, rather than commit any more sin ; it is odious 
and grievous to my soul. But if I am elected, and 
it is possible that I am, then though I hang myself, 
I shall go straight to heaven, and certainly I had 
rather be in heaven than here.'' 

By what he regarded to be divine impressions, he 
was finally relieved of this nearly insupportable 
dilemma, and he continued some time in a very 
felicitous state of mind. For several reasons, his 
religiousness subsequently waned, until a renewed 
repentance and faith, soon after his marriage, re- 
stored him, after great agony of spirit, to the con- 
scious favor of Christ. 

Soon after becoming a probationer in the M. E. 



84 HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 

Church, he was appointed a class-leader. This was 
followed by holding meetings, in which he sang, 
prayed, and read Scripture, of which he gave an 
exposition. After the most remarkable experience, 
he accepted the call of God to labor as a minister 
in His moral heritage, and selling his farm, preached 
two years, as occasion offered, while he was prepar- 
ing in study for the regular work of the itinerancy. 
In 1797, he commenced to travel upon Pittsfield 
Circuit. June, 1798, he was sent to Litchfield 
Circuit; and at Granville, September, 1798, he 
was received by the Conference, and appointed to 
Dutchess Circuit. He records that "persecution 
raged on Litchfield Circuit. The work of God was 
manifested in power. Sometimes they fell as one 
shot down in battle, and would lie without strength 
from half an hour to two hours, when they would 
arise happy in God. 7 ' u One young woman fell in 
their meeting, and they carried her out to a private 
house near by, and sent for a doctor. He said he 
could not rightly tell what was the matter, but he 
thought it best to bleed her; and while cording 
her arm, she came to so as to speak, and she cried 
out, ' Nothing but the blood of Christ can do me 
any good.' This made them give over bleeding 
her." 

During these twenty-nine months he received 
only $217, including his presents ! And when ap- 
pointed to Cambridge Circuit, 1799, he found him- 
self destitute of means to remove his family, but he 



HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 85 

was cheered by conversions and the inspiriting 
language of his wife, who often said : "If we can 
do our duty to God here, and be a means of saving 
some souls, and get to Heaven at last, all our suf- 
ferings will work together for our good." This 
circuit required five hundred miles of travel, and 
sixty-three sermons were preached in four weeks. 
With no house to be obtained within this circuit ; 
with all the contumely heaped upon the early 
itinerant ; with all the hard and unrequited labor ; 
with all the patience and good cheer of his wife, 
who worked hard at spinning and weaving, to pro- 
cure bread for herself and children, in a log-house 
that would not shed rain, he stands to represent a 
noble race of pioneers, many of whose sufferings 
"crop out" on earth in the rich harvest of to-day, 
but whose enviable recompense is with the Lord of 
Glory. 

The record of his experience upon Granville Cir- 
cuit is veined by incidents of the most energetic 
character, from a verbal discussion to the cowardly 
action of a mob. Those who decry the age in 
which we live as an age of growing corruption and 
infidelity, would do well to consider the deism, lack 
of aesthetic culture, parsimony, and prejudice of 
those times. " Say ye not the former days were 
better than these, for thou dost not inquire wisely 
concerning them." 

In 1802 he was stationed on Long Island, where 
he procured a house, and removed his family. Of 



86 HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 

this place lie says : " The Long Island devil seemed 
to be a different devil from that in other places — a 
stupid indifference, either as to religion or the hon- 
ors of the world, prevailed generally. They had a 
pretty good share, however, of the love of money." 
Something of his idiosyncrasy may be gathered 
from a meeting held at North Hempstead. At 
this place several young women " were awakened, 
and were humbly seeking the Lord." This aroused 
the opposition of several young men, who deter- 
mined on mischief. " So they came out in a mob 
and beset the house. They consulted what to do." 
He says, " As they saw through the window that I 
stood on the farther side of the room preaching, 
and opposite to me was a candle in a large brass 
candlestick ; so they appointed a stout young man 
of their party to go in and take that candlestick 
and throw it at my head, and then rush out. This, 
they said, would break up the meeting, and all the 
people would rush out after him, and if I came out 
they would catch me in the dark and throw me into 
the Sound. So this young man came in and took 
up the candlestick, according to their plan. I saw 
he behaved oddly and strangely ; and while preach- 
ing I kept my eye upon him. He made some 
motions as if he would throw the candlestick at 
me ; and just then, hearing some voices out of 
doors, I concluded the devil was in him and in 
those out of doors; and while he was looking at 
me I broke off preaching abruptly, and said to him, 



HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 



87 



• Young man, the devil is out of doors, calling for 
you* Set down that candlestick and go out to 
him.' He immediately set down the candlestick 
and went out. As he was going out, I cried out, 
' That is a faithful servant of the devil. ISTo sooner 
is he informed that his master wants him than he 
goes immediately.' We had no more disturbance 
that night ; for some reason, they all departed from 
around the house." 

In 1802 he was made elder in the ministry, at 
Rhinebeck, by Bishop Asbury, and the same year 
was reappointed to Dutchess Circuit, when, after a 
year of great affliction to himself and family, he 
took the k ' supernumerary " relation in a manner 
that would doubtless be regarded highly "effective" 
at the present day. 

In 1805 he was appointed to Croton Circuit, 
where, as upon the previous, large numbers were 
converted, and he continued with growing success 
for two years. 

On New Eochelle Circuit, the year before, during 
which an impression of some calamity to take place 
had long obtained in his mind, even from twelve 
years of age, he believed that intimation was ful- 
filled in the decease of his son John, upon whose 
grave-stone he placed : — 

"May death's best slumbers occupy thy urn. 

The turf that hides thee, nature's livery wear; 
0, be thou sacred in the silent bourne, 

Till time rolls 'round the great Sabbatic year." 



88 HISTORY OF SACHEM STREET CHURCH. 

In 1809 he went to Reading Circuit, where his 
life was nearly as chameleon as ever. The two 
following years were passed on Courtland Circuit, 
where, after he had paid the junior preachers at 
the end of the first quarter, he received eight cents ! 
Of which he cheerily says, " I was happy with my 
eight cents. 'Blessed are the poor.'" 1813 was 
occupied upon Pittsfield Circuit, and the following 
year he was constituted a chaplain of a regiment of 
militia. In 1815 he traveled Litchfield Circuit ; the 
two succeeding years, Granville Circuit; 1818, Chat- 
ham Circuit ; New York City, two years ; after- 
ward, in poor health, on Petersburg Circuit, one 
year ; then at Dalton the same time, after which 
he was compelled to take a " superannuated " rela- 
tion. 

No one can read the autobiography of this emi- 
nently singular and devoted minister without admi- 
ration for his native talent, his piety, his cheerful 
sacrifices, and success. His public ministry is re- 
plete with them, and eternity alone can reveal the 
results of his more than imperial life. 



CHAPTER VII. 

HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.* 

For a time the church, at the Falls appears to 
have satisfied the members at the Landing as a 
place for public Sabbath worship, but by 1833, 
the distance was felt to be a severe tax on the con- 
venience, if not the religious prosperity of the 
latter, who determined upon the erection of a 
sanctuary in that part of the city.f Pursuant to 
this end, the Class at the Landing petitioned Con- 
ference for permission to supply themselves with 
the local ministry at their command, under the 
supervision of the Presiding Elder, Rev. Daniel 
Dorchester. Their petition meeting with favor, 
Rev. D. N. Bentley was appointed " preacher in 
charge," and Revs. George May and John Black- 
mer, " assistant ministers" in supplying the appoint- 
ments. 

At a general meeting of the brethren of the 

* Called ''Norwich South," 1834; "Landing," 1837; < ; East 
Main Street," 1855; "Main Street," 1858. 

f The Sabbath services had been held in the Town House. 



90 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 

" Norwich City Station, 5 ' as the appointment at 
the Landing was then called, held June 23, 1834, 
at the residence of Mr. Jesse Fuller, situated near 
the corner of High and Main Streets, the following 
resolutions were unanimously adopted : — 

u Resolved, First, That the time has come when a Meeting-house 
in the Landing, for the use of our Society, is indispensable. 

" Secondly, That we will make a united effort to procure funds 
for the purpose. 

" Thirdly, That individuals are hereby authorized to procure a 
lot of groimd in their own name, and to make any contract, for 
erecting a meeting-house on the same, that they may think pru- 
dent ; Provided, that such individuals do the same on their own 
personal and individual responsibility, so the Society, in its associate 
capacity, be not involved by any such contract. 

" GrEORGrE May, Secretary." 

In view of such an arrangement, Rev. D. N. 
Bentley and Mr. J esse Fuller had some time pre- 
viously purchased a lot on their own responsibility ; 
and on the 5th of August, 1834, the said parties, 
together with Mr. Andrew Clark, "jointly and 
severally agreed with Messrs. Shepard and Rogers, 
to erect and completely finish a meeting-house, 44rJ 
by 60 feet, with a basement and steeple, for the 
sum of $3,200." The lecture-room was finished by 
the first Sabbath of January, when Rev. D. IT. 
Bentley preached the first sermon, from Gen. xxviii. 
17. $617 were obtained on subscription. Mr. 
Andrew Clark gave $1,000, on the condition that 
$70 per annum should be guaranteed to him during 
his lifetime, and $60 to his wife so long as she might 



HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 91 



survive hirn. Mr. Clark deceased July 10, 1839 
and Mrs. Vashti Clark, his widow, at Binghamton, 
N. Y., August 27, 1860. Eev. D. N. Bent-ley 
borrowed $600 of Miss Roxana Starkweather, now 
Mrs. Palmer, on his own note, and a still larger 
sum at the Norwich Bank, mortgaging his house 
for security. So prominent were his exertions and 
indemnification, that he received, with Mr. Jesse 
Fuller, the deed of the property, and retained it 
until July 1, 1814, when the pecuniary responsi- 
bilities were assumed by the Board of Trustees, 
appointed at the Quarterly Conference held in the 
basement of the Main Street M. E. Church, Sep- 
tember 9, 18-13. The Board consisted of Messrs. 
David N*. Bentley, Jesse Fuller, William Callyhan, 
John Perkins, George Hebard, Richmond Cranston, 
and Samuel Carter. Mr, William Callyhan soon 
resigned as trustee, and, December 14th of the same 
year, the Quarterly Conference, held at the residence 
of Mr. John Perkins, elected Mr. John Barnes to 
succeed him. 

The church was dedicated June 17, 1835, by a 
sermon from Rev. Dr. Fisk, " in one of his happiest 
efforts," founded on Ps. xciii. 5. The discourse was 
" so exceedingly well adapted to the occasion, and 
so evangelical in its doctrine, style, and spirit, that 
it produced a most thrilling effect upon the congre- 
gation. They seemed to be held with an invisible 
hand, awed and charmed as by a spell, while the 
speaker presented a view of that ' Holy House,' 



92 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 

composed of ' Living Stones,' polished by grace, 
and made the dwelling-place of the Most High 
God." 

The Station at this time embraced one hundred 
and eighty members, including those at the Falls. 
Rev. William Livesey was present at the dedica- 
tion, and early in the autumn a revival, which had 
commenced at the Falls, added largely to the mem- 
bership at the Landing. The following year the 
Main Street M. E. Church became a Station. 

Revivals of greater or less extent have character- 
ized the ministry of most of the pastors of this 
church, but they possess little that is peculiar. The 
Society has always embraced devoted and talented 
members, many of whom have entered upon the 
u great reward," the memory of whom is fondly im- 
pressed upon their surviving contemporaries, who, 
faithful, must soon join them in God's Elysium. 

During the past year the vestry of the church 
has been tastefully remodeled, under the pastoral 
charge of Rev. I. M. Bidwell, and the ministry of 
Revs. E. J. Haynes and Joseph D. Weeks, of the 
Wesleyan University, under whom the congrega- 
tion* has greatly augmented. Several conversions 
have taken place during the year, and if talent, 
pecuniary ability, and a Divine disposition to bless, 
are all the requisites of ecclesiastical prosperity, 
this Society cannot fail of attaining a felicitous 
future. 

The following action was taken respecting the 



HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 



93 



Centenary of general Methodism, which, as it be- 
gan in England, may justly be called " British," to 
distinguish it from " American " Methodism. 

"Norwich, July 29, 1339. — At a meeting of the Official Board 
this evening, some conversation was entered into respecting the 
approaching Centenary, recommended by the Wesleyans in Eng- 
land, to commemorate the One Hundredth Year of Methodism. So 
few being present, no order was taken, but it was concluded to 
briDg it before the next Board meeting. 

" August 31, 1839.— The Board met this evening. 

" Re-sob: ed. That Rev. George F. PooL preacher in charge, and 
William Trench, and John Perkins, be a committee, to take into 
consideration the approaching Centenary, and to bring the subject 
before the next Quarterly Meeting Conference. 

"September 2, 1839. — The Quarterly Meeting Conference having 
met, the committee appointed by the last meeting of the Board 
brought in their report on the subject of the approaching Cen- 
tenary of Methodism, consisting of a Preamble and Resolutions, 
which were read, but it being too late in the evening to discuss 
the subject, it was Resolved to adjourn until Friday evening next. 

September 6 — Quarterly Meeting Conference met as per ad- 
journment. The records of the last meeting read. The Preamble 
and Resolutions that were before the meeting on the 2d instant 
were read, and passed separately, and are as follows : — 

1 TVe, the members of the Quarterly Meeting Conference of 
Norwich City Station, hereby record our gratitude to God that he 
has me rcifully permitted us to live in the Hundredth Year of Method- 
ism, and to hail with heartfelt joy the approaching Centennial 
Celebration. In order that we may be actuated by a zeal becoming 
so great and so rare an occasion, we adopt, as the basis of our 
operations, the following resolutions: — 

" 1 First, That we cherish in grateful hearts the memory of Wes- 
ley, who, under God, was the instrument of that revival of religion 
which is so well calculated to spread Scriptural Holiness through- 
out the world. 

'* ' Secondly, That our Doctrines and Discipline, after the lapse 



94 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 



of a hundred years, are still entitled to the high respect and ardent 
love of all who bear the name of *' Methodists." 

" 4 Thirdly, That we celebrate the Centenary of Methodism at 
the time, and in the manner, recommended by our Annual Confer- 
ence — namely, on the 25th day of October next, with a prayer- 
meeting at sunrise, a suitable public discourse at 11 o'clock, and a 
love-feast in the evening. 

" ' Fourthly, That we will not only make this an occasion for 
spiritual improvement, but that by our pecuniary contributions we 
will erect a monument which may long remain a blessing to the 
Church and a memento of our gratitude to God, and of our attach- 
ment to Methodism. 

" 1 Fifthly, That in addition to the objects of benevolence speci- 
fied by the New England Conference, and in view of the wants of 
our own Society, we recommend to our friends to direct at least 
a part of their subscriptions, either to liquidate the debt on the 
meeting-house, or to build a parsonage. 

" 1 Sixthly, That the names of all who contribute to one or more of 
these objects be registered in a book, and be preserved in the archives of 
our church, as a memorial of their gratitude to God, for having lived 
in the Hundredth Year of Methodism.* 

" 1 Seventhly, That as soon as may be, a preparatory meeting be 
held and subscriptions be opened for the above-named objects. 
(Signed) " George F. Pool, ) 

il John Perkins, >• Committee.' 
11 William Trench, ) 

" Resolved, We accept the whole document, including the Pre- 
amble. 

11 Resolved, We appoint the second Sabbath in October to hold the 
Preparatory Meeting, and that a committee of five be appointed, to 
make the necessary arrangements for conducting the meeting, 
taking subscriptions, &c, to consist of the following persons: 
Rev. George F. Pool, D. N. Bentley, William Callyhan, J. Perkins, 
and Jesse Fuller." 

The following was taken from an Address given 



* See Appendix D. 



HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH, 95 



by Rev. George GL Cookman, in John Street M. E. 
Church, of Xew York City, October, 1839 : 

''Sir, although upwards of eighteen years have passed away 
since your speaker stood upon that sainted spot — the tomb of the 
Rev. John Wesley's father — yet the sublime and holy enthusiasm of 
that moment lives and burns in this heart as intensely as ever. * * 
Now in this, the Hundredth Year of Methodism, I find myself 
standing in John Street Church, the birthplace of American Meth- 
odism, surrounded by a multitude of its warmest friends. What 
hath God wrought ! Surely, Sir, we may sing, 

" ' When he first the work began, 
Small and feeble was his day.' 

Yes, Sir, while in imagination's bright creation I see the parsonage 
of Epworth on fire, and in yonder window a little boy enveloped 
in the raging flames, and crying aloud for help, I involuntarily ex- 
claim, ' Who is that boy?' and the reply is, 1 Yonder is little John 
Wesley ; yonder is the boy who will set the world on fire ; yonder 
is the boy that, under God, will make a stronger impression upon 
the public mind, and public morals, than all the philosophers who 
have ever written, or the legislators who have ever governed.' 
For, Sir, the little plant of Methodism which was placed by his 
hand, as a root in a dry ground, amid the scoffs and persecution of 
the world, has become a most magnificent tree, throwing its wide- 
spreading branches over the continents of the earth and the islands 
of the sea, and in this, the first Centenary, more than a million of 
happy rejoicing Methodists, from ' Greenland's icy mountains to 
India's coral strand,' will, beneath its friendly shade, raise the 
loud and triumphant song of ' Glory to God in the highest, peace 
on earth, and good-will to men.' It is not my intention to pro- 
nounce any panegyric on Mr. Wesley, but rather to glorify the 
grace of God in him. We regard him as an eminent instrument, 
employed by Divine Providence for the good of mankind. The 
history of Methodism, as identified with that of John Wesley, is a 
bright page in the mysterious book of Providence. Was it not 
providential that he was born when he was, where he was, what 



96 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 



he was ? Was it not providential that he descended from an hon- 
orable and pious ancestry ; that he was the happy son of so excel- 
lent and talented a mother ? * * I thank God, Sir, that John 
Wesley was a college student ; that he sharpened his wits on the 
Oxford grindstone ; that in the great e nporium of British erudi- 
tion, he forged and polished those weapons of intellectual warfare 
by which, in future, he was able to reason with the lofty prejudices 
of the prelate, or detect the sophistries of the skeptic. Mr. Wes- 
ley was one of the most successful preachers, and one of the most 
industrious writers and extensive publishers of his day. He wrote, 
not for fame or for money, but for the illumination and elevation of 
the mass of the people. He could appear to advantage in a two- 
penny pamphlet, or in a royal octavo. From his little tract on 
' Primitive Physic,' to his 'Christian Library,' in fifty volumes, we 
see the versatility of his taste, the comprehension of his views, 
the energy of his application. * * Well, Sir, it was in the com- 
mencement of the eighteenth century that a handful of Oxford 
students came to the conclusion that if the Bible were true, real 
Christianity was a very different thing from the popular religion of 
the day. To promote the one grand object, they laid down rules 
for reading the Scriptures, conversation, prayer, meditation, fasting, 
and visiting the sick. Their precision attracted the attention of a 
wag of a student, who facetiously remarked one day, ' A new sect 
of Methodists has arisen among us,' and from this satirical remark, 
a by- word, a nick-name, arose this famous cognomen, 'Methodist.' 
But what's in a name ? ' A rose would smell as sweet with any 
other name.' * * Full of strong moral convictions, and honest zeal, 
and good intentions, behold our young Churchman embarking for 
Georgia, to convert the North American Indians, and before half 
way across the Atlantic, discovering, through the aid of a few 
pious German Moravians, to his consternation, that he was uncon- 
verted himself! Finally, behold him led on hy Peter Bohler, the 
Moravian, his spiritual father, from one step to another, until 
finally, he says, while at a meeting in Aldersgate Street, London, 
as one was reading Luther's preface to the Gal itians, ' I felt my 
heart strangely warmed.' That, Sir, was Methodism. Then was 
the kindling of a fire, which, I trust, will glow and run, until 



HISTORY OF MADs STREET M. E. CHURCH. 97 



1 Heaven's last thunder shakes the world below.' And in all his 
subsequent history, in his expulsion from the Established Church, 
in Ms out-door and field preaching, in the origin of class-meetings, 
the employment of lay preachers, the settlement of the 1 Poll- 
Deed,' securing the chapels forever to the itinerancy of Method- 
ism, thus perpetuating the system, binding it equally upon preach- 
ers and people, we see not the wisdom and policy of man, but the 
wisdom and power of God. 

But what is Methodism ? To this oft-repeated question, and 
to the many explanations which have been offered, permit us to 
give a definition of our own. And first, we would answer the 
question negatively by remarking, Methodism, so called, is not a sect 
The announcement of Mr. Wesley at the outset of his career mas anti- 
sectarian, and has been fulfilled to the very letter. 1 The world is my 
parish. 1 Mr. Wesley ever disowned aU idea of forming a mere sect. 
He intended that Methodism should be a nucleus to radiate light 
and heat throughout all the churches. Then it was no uncommon 
circumstance for persons to be in communion with the Established 
Church, or of the Dissenting denominations, and yet meet in class 
among the Methodists. Thus Mr. TTesley lived and died a mem- 
ber of the Church of England, nor have the "Wesleyan Methodists 
ever formally withdrawn from the Establishment. Our pulpits 
and altars are anti-sectarian, admitting all evangelical ministers to 
the former, and members of other churches to the latter, setting 
forth on this subject an example of Christian liberality which it 
would be well for some churches to imitate who charge us continu- 
ally with sectarianism. 

" But Methodism is not a form. It has waived controversy about 
forms, but contended manfully for the power of Godliness. Mr. 
TTesley was no ways scrupulous ; he could preach at St. Paul's, or 
St. Bartholomew's Fair; in a mahogany pulpit, or on a horse- 
block : under a tree, or upon a mountain. And his sons are like 
him. They can preach in a surplice, or in their shirt-sleeves; in 
pewed or free churches ; with notes or without. * * 

"Methodism is not an opinion. It demands no previous test of 
opinions, but one only condition, ' A desire to tiee from the wrath 
to come, and to be saved from their sins.' The magnanimous lan- 
5 



98 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 



guage of Mr. Wesley was, ' Away with, opinions : if thy heart is as 
my heart, give me thy hand.' 

" What, then, is Methodism ? And we answer, Methodism is a 
spirit It is the spirit of Bible truth and Christian charity intro- 
duced and defined in the mind, the heart, the character, the habits, 
the labors of that remarkable man, John Wesley, and, from him, 
expanded to upward of a million other minds and hearts, making 
upon them the imprint of his sentiments and doctrines, the light 
of his example, the impulse of his zeal. And what is this spirit ? 
We answer, ' Now the Lord is that spirit, and where the spirit of 
the Lord is there is liberty.' That, Sir, is Methodism. What is 
Methodism ? Methodism, Sir, is a, revival of primitive New Testa- 
ment religion, such as glowed in the bosoms, and was seen in the lives of 
the Apostles and Martyrs. It is a revival of the vital, fundamental 
doctrines of the Christian faith. It is a revival of original New Testa- 
ment organization, particularly in restoring the itinerancy and brother- 
hood of the ministry, and the right administration of church discipline. 
It is a revival of the social spirit, the free and ancient manner of social 
worship. It is, above all, a revival of the Missionary Spirit, which, 
not content with a merely defensive warfare upo?i Ziorts walls, goes 
forth aggressively, under the eternal promise, to the conquest of the 
world. 

"Sir, I can never think of the great revival of religion which took 
place within the Church of England one hundred years ago, with- 
out having before me the image of some ancient cathedral, with its 
lofty aisles and vaulted roof; and in the very centre of the marble- 
paved floor I see a few shivering, decrepid old people, endeavor- 
ing vainly to warm themselves over the flickering embers of an 
expiring fire, and while indulging feelings of pity and commisera- 
tion, I see a brisk, sprightly little man enter, and, with character- 
istic promptitude and zeal, he begins to stir up the fire. That little 
man is John Wesley. While he is thus engaged, I see the saintly 
Fletcher approach with an armful of fagots, and throw them on 
the brightening flame : and, presently, I see approach with eager 
steps a portly personage, George Whitefield, and he begins to blow, 
and blow mightily, and the fire begins to kindle ; and as the tow- 
Bering flame illumines and warms the church, I see Charles Wesley, 



HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 99 



the sweet singer of Methodism, take the harp, and as he touches 
the strings with more than mortal inspiration. I hear the joyous 
strain : 

"'See how great a flame aspires, - - 

Kindled by a spark of grace ; 
Jesus' love the nations fires, 
Sets the kingdoms in a blaze. 

" 4 To bring fire on earth he came ; 
Kindled in some hearts it is; 
O that all might catch the flame, 
All partake the glorious bliss.' 

Methodism repeats the word of command through ail her ranks 
first issued by the great Lord and Captain of the : sacramental 
host,' 'Go ye into all the world,' and, blessed be God, her sons 
obey and march. • 

" If then. Sir, this be a true version of Methodism, and I am still 
pressed with the question. 1 TV"hat is the grand characteristic, the 
distinctive peculiarity of Methodism?' I would answer, it is to be 
found in one single word — Itixeraxcy. Yes. this, tmder God. is 
the mighty spring of our motive power, the true secret of our un- 
paralleled success. Stop the itinerancy, let Congregationalism pre- 
vail for only twelve months, Sampson is shorn of his locks, and we 
become as other men. Here I would make a central position, here 
lay the utmost stress. This is a vital point. In the establishment 
of this position, allow me to borrow the light of an illustration. * * 
Referring to 'the vision of EzekieTs wheels,' you will perceive 
there are 1 wheels within wheels.' First, there is the great outer 
wheel of Episcopacy, which accomplishes its entire revolution once 
in four years. To this there are attached twenty-eight smaller 
wheels, styled Annual Conferences, moving around once a year ; to 
these are attached one hundred wheels, designated Presiding Elders, 
moving twelve hundred other wheels, termed Quarterly Conferences, 
every three months : to these are attached four thousand wheels, 
styled Traveling Preachers, moving round once a month, and com- 
municating motion to thirty thousand wheels, called Class Leaders, 
moving round once a week, and who, in turn, being attached to 
between seven and eight hundred thousand wheels, called Mernoers, 
give a sufficient impulse to whirl them round every day. 



100 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 

" Here let us, then, raise our Ebenezer : here let us build our 
centenary monument of gratitude in the sight of Heaven, to be 
admired by generations yet unborn. Let its base be Itinerancy ; and 
on that broad, deep pedestal, let us inscribe the words of Wesley: 
' The best of all is, God is with us. } Let its columns be education ; 
let their architecture be classically chaste ; and on its lofty summit 
rekindle the hallowed flame of missionary zeal, which, as a beacon 
light, flashing its bright beams across the deep dark sea of this 
apostate and tempestuous world, may guide many a forlorn wan- 
derer safe home to the land of rest and peace. " 

The objects for contribution were, parsonage, 
missions, preachers' aid, education, and church 
debt; of which the first and last were local in cha- 
racter. One hundred and fifty dollars and eighty- 
two cents were subscribed, the amounts varying 
from five cents to twenty dollars.* 

The following hymn was preserved amid the 
archives, composed by J. Montgomery, Esq., for the 
Centenary of Wesleyan Methodism, entitled " A 
Hundred Years Ago." 

" One song of Praise, one voice of Prayer, 
Around, above, below; 
Ye winds and waves, the burden bear, 
'A Hundred Years ago !' 

" 1 A Hundred Years ago ?' What then ? 
There rose, the world to bless, 
A little band of faithful men — 
A cloud of witnesses. 

" It looked but like a human hand : 
Pew welcomed it, none feared ; 
Yet, as it opened o'er the land, 
The hand of God appeared. 



* For names of donors, see Appendix D. 



HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 101 



" The Lord made bare His holy arm, 
In sight of earth and hell ; 
Fiends fled before it with alarm, 
And alien armies fell. 

"One song of Praise for mercies past, 
Through all our courts resound — 
One voice of Prayer, that, to the last, 
Grace may much more abound. 

" God gave the word, and great hath been 

The preacher's company; 
"What wonders have our fathers seen ! 

What signs their children see! 
All hail 1 a Hundred Years ago I' 

And when our lips are dumb, 
Be millions heard rejoicing so, 

A Hundred Years to come !" 

The Centennial of American Methodism was 
celebrated by the New London District of the 
Providence Conference in this city, September 26, 
1866. The following will serve to indicate the 
general features of the occasion :* 

The New London District Centenary Convention met in the 
Free Church at 10-J- a. m., the first service being an old-fashioned 
love-feast, held after the pattern of Auld Lang Syne. The church 
was crowded to repletion. Rev. P. T. Kenney, Presiding Elder 
for this district, opened the service by reading the Tilth hymn. 
Prayer was offered by Rev. William H. Stetson, of Danielsonville, 
and the bread and water were then distributed. 

The Presiding Elder gave some interesting reminiscences 
and statistics of early Methodism in this city and in New London 
District, after which some fifty or more followed with remarks in 
the usual style of a love-feast. 

* The writer is greatly indebted to the "Bulletin," of Norwich, 
for the account. 



102 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 



The singing by the choir of the Willimantic Church, led by- 
Lieut. Harry Wilson, assisted by the Jordan Family, was excel- 
lent, and most satisfactory to the audience. 

The following list of officers were nominated : 

President — Joseph Cummings, D. D., LL. D., President of the 
Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn. 

Vice Presidents. — Revs. P. T. Kinney, P. E., Williamantic ; I. M. 
Bidwell, Norwich; W. Emerson, West Thompson; H. S. Ramsdell, 
Yernon; E. Benton, Rockville; 'B. M. Walker, Tolland; L. D. 
Blood, Fisherville ; E. B. Bradford. South Manchester ; J. Mather, 
North Manchester ; W. J. Robinson, New London ; S. S. Cum- 
mings, South Coventry ; N. Goodrich, Staffordville ; L. Pierce, 
East Haddam; and Messrs. D. N. Bentley, C. D. Filmore, N. G. 
Lippitt, Norwich; Stephen Hammond, Danielsonville; Josiah 
Morgan, New London; Otis Perrin, West Woodstock; J. F. 
Brooks, Stafford ; George W. Mallory, Mystic Bridge ; Timothy 
Keeney, West Manchester ; Silas White, Rockville ; Ashmun 
Pease, Hazardville ; Jonathan Skinner, Eastford ; Thomas Turner, 
Willimantic ; Nehemiah Upham, Norwich ; Erastus Standish, 
Colchester ; Capt. Nelson Brown, Westerly, R. I. ; John Mitchell, 
Norwich. 

Secretaries. — Rev. E. F. Clark, Norwich ; Rev. William T. Worth, 
Stafford Springs. 

Committee on Resolutions. — Revs. H. W. Conant, Uncasville ; G. 
W. Brewster, Willimantic ; W. H. Stetson, Danielsonville. 

AFTERNOON. 

The Convention met at the East Main Street Church at 2 p. it 
Rev. Dr. Cummings in the chair. The house was crowded. 

The following original hymn, by Rev. George Lansing Taylor 
was sung by the choir : 

" Great God of Israel ! lo ! to thee 
Adoring millions bow the knee, 
And bless, with rapturous shouts and tears, 
Thy goodness through a hundred years. 

" Since first our sires this New World trod, 
What wonders hast thou wrought, O God ! 



HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 103 



A nation vast, from sea to sea, 

A church whose myriads worship thee. 

"God of Elijah, flash thy fire 
Responsive, while our prayers aspire, 
Till hearts and holocausts shall flame 
A sacrifice to Jesus' name. 

" Pour forth thy spirit from on high J 
Convert, illumine, sanctify ! 
Till millions more, with Israel's host, 
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost V 

Prayer was then offered by Rev. D. H. Ela, of Providence, R. 1. 

Rev. Edgar F. Clark, of the Sachem Street Church, delivered the 
address of welcome in behalf of the denomination in Norwich. In 
welcoming the Convention to the " Rose of New England," as he 
termed it, he said : 

"Brothers, and Friends of the Convention: 

"In behalf of Methodism in Norwich, I extend to you a hearty 
welcome. The amenities and hospitalities of our city are as gen- 
erously tendered, as, we are confident, they will be felicitously 
enjoyed. Welcome to our city. — we are glad for your sakes it is 
beautiful. Welcome to our homes, — ready hands will throw open 
the doors. Welcome to our halls and churches, — if they are too 
limited, we are consoled in the trust that the hall is not the mea- 
sure of the heart. 

" How opportune is the hour in which we have gathered. Meth- 
odism, as a system, is no longer an experiment. She is now a 
century-plant, whose healing fragrance is wafted to a thousand 
climes. Prejudice against her resides only in the bosom of igno- 
rance and bigotry. Opposition, of the most inimical character, has 
been converted into general favor. The arm that was lifted with 
harmful missiles, is now upheld in benedictions .on the cause. The 
mob has become the devout audience, and the pen of calumny is 
now employed in atoning for the past. Modern theology has paid 
tribute to many of her tenets, while philosophy evinces a pleasing 
recognition. The elm and the school-house are supplanted by 
stately temples whose spires are yearly mounting higher and 



104: HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 



higher. Poverty, though welcomed, sits not alone in the sanc- 
tuary, while literature finds better than ro} r al repose in her arms. 

" It is well for us to pause a moment on the field, and, while the 
angels of hope wipe away the sweat of battle, pay our respects to 
our foremost but fallen ranks, who, by their sacrifices and labors, 
have pioneered the way to present victory. It is full time that the 
shades of the faithful dead were committed to their merited 
sepulchre, and a requiem as broad as the nation, chronicles the 
mortality of the church. The man who can forget his mother is 
fit to betray his country, or murder his friend. Moreover, in the 
urns of the past will be found many a thing of value. 

In no spirit of invidious glorification are we assembled for our 
Centenary. We are met to bless the G-od of all the churches, and 
to lay up in the repository of a common Christianity our time- 
honored banners. Before we meet again for Centenary reminis- 
cence, we trust the soldier of Christ will be a unity, and the whole 
earth be filled with millennial glory. 

" And while we linger in the churchyard, our thoughts and time 
will not be only consumed in the retrospective. On the marble 
are fingers pointing upward and onward. Higher than the shout 
of victory from the past is the battle-cry, 'Forward! March.' 
Pausing to catch the benedictions of the bygone, and read the 
inscriptions on stony flags, under which the dead are filing 
into a joyful eternity, let us gird on our armor anew, until we too, 
after having lived in the service and bliss of churchhood on earth, 
shall join the Centenary bands who have passed on so gloriously 
before us." 

Rev. Dr. Cummings was then introduced. He said, in com- 
mencing : 

" Fitting is it that the church should select this year as a festival 
occasion. We rejoice that this year of remembrance and rejoicing- 
comes to us under circumstances so favorable. It is a year of 
Peace. Had it occurred earlier, during the dark and bloody years 
of war, under how different circumstances would we have 
met ! The sad events, also, which would have affected us 
had it been held soon after, have been tempered by time. 
How close is the history of this church to that of the country. 



HISTORY OF MAD* STREET M. E. CHURCH. 105 



Older than the nation is our church. It has ever been closely 
connected with all that conduced to the nation's prosperity. It 
has grown with its growth, and strengthened with its strength. 
This church was the first to congratulate Washington on his 
inauguration, the first to put a formal recognition of the govern- 
ment into its articles of faith. It was declared by this church in 
the troublous times, when the question was agitated, that the 
United States was a sovereign nation." 

The speaker then went on to argue that this church was espe- 
cially adapted to this nation's peculiar circumstances and growth, 
the system best adapted to the principle of self-government. He 
then described its formation and organization into circuits, districts, 
and conferences. This system of church organization, he argued, 
could not be bettered for a new country and scattered population. 
To it we owe our success. 

" A second point of the adaptation of the church to the nation is 
the unity of the church. All who are admitted to the church are 
members and recognized members everywhere. The natural 
result of this one church has been to prevent sectionalism, and it 
was rightly considered one of the greatest blows to the nation 
when the Methodist Church was divided, for which rebel plotters 
had toiled as one of their most important ends. 

" The church by its principle of unity tended to produce the feel- 
ing of equality. In our church the principle of unity most effectu- 
ally repels that utterly abominable feeling — offensive to God — the 
feeling of caste. The organization of our church is best calculated 
to drown this feeling — repugnant to a republican government. 

" Closely connected with the unity of this church is its liberality, 
its unsectarian charity. The only condition of admission is solely 
a desire to flee irom the wrath to come. It is a cheering sign to 
us, that at this age there is less disposition to discuss the abstract 
doctrines over which thinkers have puzzled, and which Milton, 
I know not on what authority, represented the fallen angels as 
discussing. 

"The great principles first enumerated in this church are those 
you most often hear set forth in the pulpits of the day. "With our 
church, unlike others, the doctrines are unchanged. The princi- 
5* 



106 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 



pies set forth by our pioneers in the wilderness are our principles 
to-day. And if there is more agreement with other churches to- 
day, it is not the Methodist Church that has changed — the others 
have come to it. 

" One more point — the adaptation of our church to a people like 
ours, because of the interest this church has always taken in the 
education of its youth. Methodism has been incorrectly reported 
as opposed to education. It had its origin in the most aristocratic 
college in the world. Instead of being opposed to educational 
institutions, the church has of late years been disposed to organize 
too many new ones. Now it seems wisely to have resolved to 
place its present institutions on a sound footing before planning 
new ones." The speaker then cited the history of Wesleyan Uni- 
versity as an evidence of the interest manifested by the church in 
education. At the same time he gave his hearers a gentle reminder 
that unless this University was sustained, and endowed by them 
sufficiently to offer the same advantages as any other college, the 
youth would not be sent there, and thus we lose the religious con- 
trol over them. The good done by the University and the char- 
acter of its graduates were cited to strengthen the appeal which he 
made at this time, as the University was one of the objects of the 
Centennial contributions — the sura of $250,000 being asked for. 

Another hymn was then sung by the choir. 

An address was then delivered by Rev. Dr. Erastus Wentworth, 
of Troy, N. Y., late missionary to China, and a former resident of 
this city — a native of Stonington. 

Dr. Wentworth announced his topic as, " The relation of Metho- 
dism to Missions." "As Christianity was a mission, and Christ a 
missionary, so Methodism would not be Christianity if it was not a 
mission. The first missionary ever sent out by the first Protestant 
missionary society was John Wesley — sent to this country in 1735. 
The second missionary society in England, in 1794, was the Bap- 
tists. The London missionary society came the next year. 

" Christianity and commerce go hand in hand — so our first ques- 
tion is, has Christianity kept up with the advance of commerce ? 
I answer, no ; but this topic I have not time to discuss to-day. 
The second question is, has the Methodist Church done its full 



HISTORY OF DIALS' STREET M. E. CHURCH. 107 



share of the missionary work of the world ? This is the point I 
propose to discuss. Our church started in mission labor, on an 
average, at about the same time as other missions. Our compara- 
tive work is what we are to consider — what we have done in com- 
parison with other denominations. By the last missionary report 
(1864), I find that we have raised one-eleventh of all the funds 
contributed for forty-eight missionary societies there reported. And 
we have raised one-third of what was raised for sixteen societies 
in the United States. This year we purpose to raise $1,000,000, 
which will be one-fifth of the whole amount raised by the whole 
world for missionary labor." 

The speaker then alluded briefly to the way in which laborers 
volunteered in this work, and to the work in the West. 

"Now, then, we have spoken of the past, what shall we say of 
the future? In the first place, we offer a great stimulus by pro- 
mising to raise a million dollars this year — it will inspire other 
denominations to do likewise. But while the world is doing busi- 
ness on the wholesale, Christianity is still kept in the small retail 
grocery way. We make a great ado about raising a million dollars. 
Why, there are three men in Xew York worth $10,000,000 each. 

"The effect of our itinerant system has also been carried into 
other churches. You don't see instances now like that of the 
church up-town. where Dr. Lord and Dr. Strong Were the pastors 
for one hundred years. They change now nearly as often as 
we do. 

''Another thing we want is a magnificent Methodist denomina- 
tional Mission-house in Xew York. We want it because moral 
enterprise wiil revolve about material centres. 

"Finally, our record as a missionary society is one of which we 
need not be ashamed. The names of scores of noble workers in 
this, as in other denominations, are immortal. Africa and China 
boast a list of historic missionary martyrs. The dying words of 
Dudley Tyng. ' Stand up for Jesus !' which have been immortalized, 
have a parallel in the words of that young Methodist, Martin, 
dying at Eoochau of Cholera last year. When a friend approached 
his bedside and said. ' What word shall I send home for you ?' 
'Tell them,' said the dying man, 'it pays to be a Christian/ 



108 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 



Words worthy to be emblazoned over your Young Men's Institutes 
and all your schools of learning. Yes. it pays to be a Christian ; 
the interest is richer than that of your five-twenties and seven- 
thirties. 

" Months ago I held the skull of Philip Embury, when it was 
about to be removed to another cemetery, and I reflected on the 
work he had done. What growth from a small beginning. The 
great hindrance to our work is caste. It was with difficulty that 
the caste feeling was rooted out of the Apostles themselves. I 
wish we had Paul here to-day, to send him all over the country to 
preach the doctrines that he preached on Mars Hill. Remember, 
when we are afraid of the 1 dirty Irish,' or 1 greasy negroes,' what 
God said to Peter in a vision : ' What God has cleansed, call not 
thou common.' But the spirit of caste is dying out, thank God ! 
When St. John saw the vision, and prided himself on the number 
of Jews sealed, then he saw a great multitude that no man can 
number, more than the Episcopalians ever ordained ; than the 
Baptists ever put under water; than the Methodists ever saved by 
shouting and singing. But, in conclusion, let us remember that we 
are all missionaries, and wherever we may lay our bones, may we 
all meet in heaven around the throne of the Lamb, praising Father, 
Son, and Holy Ghost." 

The closing part of Dr. Wentworth's address was very impas- 
sioned, and completely carried away his audience. 

evening. 

The Convention, at 5 o'clock, adjourned from the East Main 
Street Church to Breed Hall. The exercises were then opened 
with singing another original hymn, entitled "A Hundred Years to 
Come," by the Willimantic Choir, the praise of whose rendering 
was on every tongue. It is not too much to say, perhaps, of this 
really fine choir of singers, that they have few equals in the 
State, in their special department of Church music, and as a " Glee 
Club," also, have won the encomiums of many an admiring audi- 
ence in other places. 

Divine thanks were returned by Rev. P. T. Kenny, the popular 
Presiding Elder of the District, after which a most bountiful colla- 



HISTORY OF MAIX STREET M. E. CHURCH. 109 



tion followed. which seemed at least to put the audience in the 
best of humor, and happy condition to enjoy the rich and varied 
intellectual repast served up under the direction of President Cum- 
mings, whose urbanity as a presiding officer was beyond all com- 
ment. 

At the close of the collation, and before the intellectual part, 
the remaining cake was sold at auction by Mi 5 . P. B. Green, the 
last loaf of which, sold to John Mitchell. Esq.. of this city, for $33 .* 
Another song; prayer by Eev. G-. W. Brewster, of AViilirnantic. 
and the ball was opened by the introduction of the following reso- 
lutions : 

11 Resolved, first, That we recognize the hand of Almighty God 
in the inception, organization, and growth of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church in the United States. 

"Resolved, secondly, We cherish the memory of the 'fathers 
and mothers ' of Methodism, who have toiled early and late in the 
cultivation of this field, sowing beside all waters, literally ' going 
forth weeping, bearing precious seed.' hoping against hope, amid 
persecutions and trials, but laying the foundation of our Zion upon 
the broad platform of a free, present, and full salvation ; and as we 
are now entered into their labors, we will strive to emulate their 
glorious examples of fidelity and faith. 

" Resolved, thirdly, That in celebrating the first centennial of 
the church of our choice, we extend the fraternal hand to all 
bodies of evangelical Christians. 

" Resolved, fourthly, That in view of the exceeding great mer- 
cies of the past, we earnestly beseech the ministry and members 
of our church to renewedly consecrate themselves to the service 
of God : and, in gratitude for his many benefactions, to make a 
special Thanksgiving, in accordance with the recommendation of 
the authorities of the church. 

"Resolved, fifthly. That while we recognize the Sunday-school 
as one of the agencies for scriptural instruction, the time has fully 
come wl|en it should be considered and used as a divinely com- 
missioned agency for the immediate conversion of the children of 
Christ. 

* This loaf was furnished by Prank Grant, Esq., of South Windsor. 



110 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 



L ' Resolved, sixthly, That while we believe the Methodist Church 
is doing its full share of the great missionary work of the nine- 
teenth century, it behooves us to keep up the missionary spirit that 
has characterized our efforts from the beginning, and to labor on 
until every obstacle is overcome, and we realize the glorious vision 
of our present faith, a world converted and saved in heaven. 

" Resolved, seventhly, That whilst we harmonize in our feelings 
with all the objects presented for our benefactions by the General 
Conference, we recommend to the Church in New London District, 
for especial consideration in their Centenary benefactions, the 
Biblical Institute to be located near Boston, the Wesley an Univer- 
sity, the Mission House at New York, and the Providence Confer- 
ence Seminary. 

" Resolved, eighthly, That the thanks of this Convention are 
hereby tendered to the speakers, the choir, the citizens of Nor- 
wich, and all others who have contributed for our entertainment." 

The President now introduced Rev. D. H. Ela, of Providence, 
who excused himself for want of preparation, being called upon 
quite unexpectedly to fill the place of another, who failed, through 
domestic affliction, to meet his engagement here. His address, 
though not lengthy, was well received He spoke briefly of the 
secret sources of Methodistic success, attributing it mostly to the 
doctrine of a conscious salvation and communion with Gfod, closing 
with a fitting reference to other churches who inscribe the same 
doctrine upon their banners, and unite in the same glorious expe- 
rience. 

Another song was sung by the choir, and Rev. Dr. Wise, of New 
York, editor of Sunday-school books and papers, made a represen- 
tation of the Sunday-school work of the church. He began by 
saying that Methodism had always loved the children. It was 
natural she should do so. She early learned this from the example 
of her founder, John Wesley, who was passionately fond of the 
children. A touching incident illustrating this love of Wesley was 
related, and another concerning Bishop Asbury, of this country, 
who, though a bachelor, took great delight in teaching and instruct- 
ing the little ones wherever he went. He affirmed that the idea 
of Sunday-schools originated in the mind and heart of a Methodist 



HISTORY OF MAIX STREET M. E. CHURCH. Ill 



woman, to whom Robert Raikes refers, and admits his indebted- 
ness for his first conception of this glorious idea, and by whose 
advice he opened his first school among the poor children of the 
village where he dwelt, in the year 1781. For a few years this 
school was unknown and unnoticed beyond the circle of his own 
village, but in 1TS5 Mr. Lesley incorporated it into the require- 
ments of his societies, and recommmded its general adoption. 
Thus Methodism claims the honor of introducing this institution 
to the church, and making it a nursery of piety and revival. Mr. 
"Wesley declaring that this was one of the best institutions given 
to the Church for centuries. The idea of gratuitous instruction 
also was originated and introduced by the venerable founder of 
Methodism, in the year 1786. In America the same great fact 
may be noted, viz. : that the Sunday-school owes its organization 
and introduction to American Methodism, Bishop Asbury starting 
a school in 1786, in the house of Thomas Renshaw, in Virginia, in 
which a boy was converted, and some time after became a travel- 
ing preacher in the Methodist connection. Many other facts were 
related, all going to prove the same claim, but which time and 
space fail to afford room for a full report. Interesting statistics 
were presented, showing that nearly a million of children were 
now in the Sunday-schools of the M. E. Church, and a literature 
unrivaled in its variety, adapted to the use of these schools — the 
reading-books alone amounting to over 2.000 volumes. 

Letters were received from Bishop Simpson, ex-Secretary Harlan, 
and ex-Governor Buckingham, the last being read to the Conven- 
tion, and receiving the most hearty ap'plause. 

Gov. Hawley was next introduced. He commenced by returning 
thanks to the committee for the invitation extended him, and 
remarked that he owed a debt of gratitude to this church, being 
educated partly at one of her seminaries, and having a beloved 
sister a member of its communion. He paid a glowing tribute to 
the efficient organization of the M. E. Church, claiming that the 
peculiarities of her itinerant system and unity of organization are 
the chief elements of her power and success. He expressed t 1 e 
hope that the itinerancy would never be abandoned, for through 
this agency the poor have the Gospel preached to them. As a 



112 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 

conscientious politician, he expressed a desire to see the churches 
of all denominations alive to the work and responsibilities of the 
times. 

He said that no constitutional amendments, no political plat- 
forms, could save a country, but we must put school-houses and 
churches all over the South, and reconstruct society with the 
truths of the Gospel. His address was most heartily received, and 
frequently interrupted with loud bursts of applause. 

At the close of his speech, Rev. James D. Weeks, of this city, 
presented a beautiful bouquet to the Governor, with the following 
words : 

" Your Excellency : In the darkest hour of our country's history, 
when the clouds hung heavy over our pathway, and the battle 
went against us, it rejoiced us to hear that one man stood firm, and 
one body of men flinched not, but remembered the flag. In behalf 
of these Methodists of New London District, these generals and 
privates of this army, these soldiers of the Cross, I have the 
honor to present you, the first soldier of Connecticut, with this 
bouquet." 

The Governor fittingly responded — making a very compliment- 
ary allusion to the soldier boys from Wesleyan University, whose 
record is as bright as the brightest on the page of our country's 
history. 

Another song. 

Gen. Ferry was now introduced, whose address was beyond all 
praise. He expressed it a privilege to be here, though he had 
been invited to attend a Convention in another State. He greeted 
Methodism as a branch of the church militant, and rejoiced to give 
glory to God rather than honor to man. Though he differed from 
Methodism in theological sentiments, accepting for himself Calvin- 
ism with the same heartiness with which these accept Arminian- 
ism, what of all that, if we all acknowledge one Christ ? He paid 
a glowing tribute to the Wesleys, to whom England owed much of 
her triumph over formalism and heathenism, and New England 
was indebted for her religious standing and present power and 
influence. Methodism gave the Gospel to the poor — handed it 
out to the masses, and this was her glory and her renown. 



HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 113 



He offered a few fitly chosen remarks concerning the missionary 
work of the churches. Our faith is too cold concerning the twelve 
hundred millions of benighted heathens, but we need not despair. 
With three hundred and fifty millions of Christians the conversion 
of the world is not so distant a matter to our faith as it was to 
Peter and his handful of associates at the day of Pentecost. He 
remarked that it was the peculiar pride of Methodism that it is a 
missionary church. He urged them to reject all humanitarianism 
and every thing which overlooks the pure principles of the Gospel 
and to go forward in spreading the truth over all lands. 

No report can do justice to the very eloquent addresses gf Gov. 
Hawley and Gen. Ferry. They were repeatedly applauded, and 
in several instances the enthusiasm of the audience was almost 
unbounded. 

Rev. E. J. Haynes now came forward and presented another 
bouquet to Gen. Ferry, with appropriate remarks. 

Gen. Ferry's response was at once touching and beautiful. He 
closed by asking the prayers of the audience in his new and 
responsible position as a public servant in the council-halls of the 
nation. 

A few remarks from the President, and another song by the 
choir, and the Convention closed. In every respect it has been a 
complete success — far exceeding the most sanguine expectations of 
its originators and supporters. 

Among the deceased members Mr. Jesse Fuller 
holds early and eminent rank. At his residence 
the church was first planned, and, in connection 
with Eev. David N. Bentley, he purchased the 
present site, and appears to have manifested the 
deepest interest in the prosperity of this society. 
In all financial, practical, and spiritual matters, he 
was an enviable representative of that small minor- 
ity, observable in many Christian churches, who 



Hi HISTORY OF MATS STEEET M. E. CHUKCH. 



carry not only the responsibilities of religion, but, 
in addition, its present and prospective immunities. 

Among the first trustees was Mr. John Perkins, 
Ions; the secretary of that board, and one of the 
most honored and consistent Christians of Xorwich. 
Rev. John Howson, pastor, preached his funeral 
sermon March 4, 1849, on Matt. xxv. 23 : " His 
Lord said unto him, Well done good and faithful 
servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, 
I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter 
thou into the joy of thy Lord." Among many mer- 
ited references to his character, he says: 

' ; He was a descendant of one of the first proprietors of that por- 
tion of the town of Xorwich now known as Lisbon, and was con- 
nected with many of our most respectable and influential citizens. 
His father was Simeon Perkins, who was born and spent his youth 
and early manhood in this town. In the year 1760 some business 
led him to the then sister colony of Xova Scotia. He was induced 
to remain there, and made it his permanent home until his death in 
1812, sustaining during his whole life a reputation for intelligence, 
integrity, and piety, the savor of which still exists in that land of 
his adoption. Our deceased brother was born in that province in 
the year 1778, and when of sufficient age was sent to this town to 
school. 

"In the year 1807, under the preaching of the Rev, William 
Sutcliffe, an eminent and successful minister of Jesus Christ, and 
VTeslyan missionary in the town of Liverpool. Xova Scotia, he was 
brought to the knowledge of himself as a sinner, and of Christ as a 
Saviour. His wife was made at the same time a sharer of divine 
grace, and they both immediately consecrated themselves to God 
and his service. They united themselves with the Methodist 
Church, and have maintained an irreproachable Christian character 
to the present time. In the year 1819 he removed to the United 



HISTOEY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 115 



States, whither his only child, Joshua Newton Perkins, Esq., a gen- 
tleman long and highly respected in this community, had preceded 
him. He resided for a number of years in Ithaca, in the State of 
New York, where his name is still as ointment poured forth. In 
the year 1833 he removed to this place, which, as the birthplace 
of his ancestors and the scene of many of his most pleasant days, 
was ever to him a delightful abode; and you yourselves are his 
witnesses how he has gone in and out among you, fulfilling all his 
duties as a Christian and a citizen with zeal and fidelity. For the 
past fifteen years you have been the judges of his deportment, and 
I ask, is there one here who can asperse his fair fame ? 

" He sought not his own, but the things of Christ, and so greatly 
was this manifest that he carried it into all his deportment. He 
seemed to act in all things in reference to the law of Christ. One 
of his late associates in the bank, a gentleman and a Christian, said 
to me a few days since : ' We know Mr. Perkins was a good man— 
we not only saw it, but we felt it ; and often has his ever correct 
deportment been a reproof to our more thoughtless conduct;' and 
his brethren in the church well know how careful he was in all 
things, lest he should offend against the law of Christ. 

"Another trial of character which we noticed in the good and 
faithful servant was his constancy. Here our brother was not de- 
ficient. Forty-two long years witnessed his devoted attachment to 
God and his Church. His light was clear and steady, bright and 
shining. Amid all the changes which pass over the church — the 
defection of some, the waywardness and the coldness of others, 
which bring a mildew upon the things of Zion — our brother was 
faithful to his trust. He was a man who could be leaned upon. 
He was a pillar in the house of our God. 

"Another trait is unwearied diligence. We claim this for our 
brother also. Who that ever knew him but can testify to his un- 
wearied diligence ? What is the testimony of those associated with 
him in his daily business ? One who had been with him for fifteen 
years said to me: 'I never knew him to spend a single half hour 
unemployed.' Ask his family. They will tell you that he was 
never, no not for a minute, idle. Ask the church, of which he was 
so long a faithful member. Let the ten offices which he held, and 



116 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH, 



always so ably and satisfactorily rilled, answer for his untiring dili- 
gence. He was diligent in all the means of grace. The preaching 
of the word, the ordinance of the Lord's Supper, were his delight. 
No trifling matter detained him from the house of the Lord ; he 
loved its courts and highly valued a day spent in the sanctuary. 
He was constant in the social means of grace ; whoever was absent, 
he was present. His class-meetings he loved, and as a class-leader 
he was faithful, diligent, and beloved. 

" There remains but one other trait of character to consider, 
which is the spirit or manner in which this service is rendered, 
namely, that of affection and love. In this particular our brother 
had few equals. By nature he was amiable and lovely, and these 
qualities, purified by divine grace, shone forth in him in all their 
beauty and excellence. He was no niggard in the service of his 
Master ; Tie served and he loved to serve. It was more than his meat 
and his drink to do the will of God ; he preferred it as his chief 
good. In all his associations the same spirit of love, the same law 
of kindness were ever present ; none were exempt from its holy 
and heavenly influence. His affection for the Church was pure and 
heavenly. He rejoiced in her prosperity and wept over her adver- 
sity, and in all things was the same kind, constant, and affectionate 
friend. He loved her ministers. He was always ready to counsel 
and to assist them, by his prayers, his influence, and his property. 

" To the poor of the Church he was a constant friend. They 
experienced his kind attentions, and were aided by his bounty, and 
he is embalmed in their memories. 

M He was a lover of the Sabbath-school. He bore a share in its 
labors, and with that meekness of spirit so characteristic of the 
man, he was ever ready to serve it in any capacity. His name will 
long be cherished by the rising generation. One little incident 
which I will relate illustrates the manner in which he gained the 
affections of all around him. After the afflicting tidings of his 
decease had spread through the city, many wished to see the re- 
mains of one so dearly beloved. Among the number was a little 
girl, about fourteen years of age. She looked upon his face and 
wept. A member of the family, observing how much she was 
affected, inquired of her if she was one of his Sabbath-school 



HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 117 

scholars. 4 No,' said she, ' I did not go to his church, but whenever 
he met me in the street he always bowed and spoke to me.' " 

Mr. John Barnes succeeded Mr. Perkins as secre- 
tary of the trustees, March 23, 1849, Mr. Hiram 
Crosby being appointed to fill the numerical vacancy 
in the Board, April 10 of the same year. He was 
beloved and respected for his cheerful and winning 
deportment, his liberality and interest in the sup- 
port of the Gospel, and the even tenor of his piety. 
In parental, conjugal, and ecclesiastical relations, he 
was deeply cherished, and his name is honorably 
associated with the history of the Society for twenty 
years. His funeral was attended from the Main 
Street M. E. Church, November 20, 1862, where 
the deep sorrow and sympathy of the Christian and 
citizen testified their palpable loss and esteem. 

Several others, whose memory and life alone 
abide us, will be found in the notices taken from 
the record by Bev. David N. Bentley, and yet we 
are painfully conscious that the imperfect archives 
of the respective churches have sufifered but a lim- 
ited reference to those mentioned, while others, 
whose virtues were equally memorable, will sleep 
as sweetly, yet unchronicled save in the just history 
of heaven. There the least of the saved "shall 
reign with Christ," and the young heirs of glory 
shall not merely surround, but pass within the 
Throne. 

The present Board of Stewards is composed of 



118 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 



Messrs. George E. Bentley, Nathan Standish, 
Joshua E. Fellows, Henry A. Adams, David 
Toomey, Hiram Crosby, George E. Leffingwell, 
and David Pendleton. Among those who have 
shared the laurels, as well as duties, of class leader- 
ship, are Messrs. Nathan Standish, greatly esteemed 
in this relation ; James Jennings, so long and favor- 
ably known as the leader of the " Preston Class ; " 
David Pendleton, Joshua A. Fellows, and Henry A. 
Adams, whose fidelity to this profiting means of grace 
either as members or leaders, merits especial men- 
tion. The leaders of this Society, in general, have 
been signal for their ability in this department, and 
the list of their names in Appendix D, will recall the 
unusual talent which has marked the past. The name 
of Mr. John Kendall is fraught with gratitude to 
the lovers of system in the practical matters of a 
church, and would it be unjust to say that Zion was 
the adopted child of Mr. David Toomey? Mr. 
Zadoc C. Crowell has been really an encyclopedia 
of the Sunday-school, with little interruption, for 
many years, and his fidelity and success in this 
field are widely and justly distinguished. Among 
those who have supplemented the strength of the 
Church, are Messrs. Samuel Carter, a noble ex- 
ample of unostentatious liberality ; Samuel A. 
Davis, and George E. Leffingwell, whose interest, 
though recent, has been highly creditable ; William 
B. Palmer and Charles Kingsley, whose spiritual 
labors have been numerous ; Hiram Crosby, Joel 



HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 119 

Kinney and Enoch C. Chapman, who have contri- 
buted generously to ecclesiastical maintenance. 
The piety and sacrifices of many others are im- 
pressed on the living record of hearts and desti- 
nies, and in the great day of awards, even the 
widow's mite shall have high reckoning at the 
hands of the Judge Eternal. 

It is regretful to consider, in how many of the 
churches of Christ are to be found examples of 
uncommon beneficence, who have never presented 
themselves for payment, where the positive bene- 
dictions of God and Christians could reach them, 
persons who linger in the " outer court of worship," 
and sadly adumbrate, by their reticence and inac- 
tion, their questionable future. This Society has 
~been blessed by excellent specimens of those, who, 
while doing much for the cause, accept not the 
proffered benedictions of the obligated, and whose 
unremunerated liberality is doubly to be thanked. 

The sisterhood of this Society is eminently influ- 
ential. In kindness towards the pastor's family ; in 
ability to render a church-sociable attractive ; in 
manifest sympathy, during affliction's hour, some 
are historical. 

The name of Rev. Daniel Dorchester is fresh in 
the heart and memories of Norwich. Vernon, Ct., 
was his native town, January 25, 1790. He was 
converted at majority, and joined the New England 
Conference, on trial, in 1816, receiving the follow- 
ing appointments : 1816, New London Circuit ; 1817, 



120 HISTORY OF MAIN" STREET M. E. CHURCH. 



Warwick ; 1818, Athens, Yt. ; 1819, Springfield ; 
1820, Ehode Island ; 1821, Tolland ; 1822, Salem ; 
1823, Hebron; 1824, Hebron and New London; 
1825, Springfield ; 1826, Presiding Elder of Boston 
District; 1827, Conference Missionary; 1828-'31, 
located at Springfield ; 1831-'32, Franklin, Conn. ; 
1833, Presiding Elde- of Providence District ; 1834- 
'35-'36-'37, Presiding Elder of New London Dis- 
trict ; 1838-'39, Presiding Elder of Springfield Dis- 
trict; 1840-'41, superannuated at Norwich ; 1842, 
supernumerary at Norwich ; 1843, Plainfield ; 1844 
-'45, supernumerary at Norwich; 1847, supernu- 
merary at Gales' Ferry ; 1847,Willimantic; 1848-49 
Fisherville. Superannuating the following year, he 
held this relation until 1854, when, after an unusu- 
ally successful and honored ministry, his commission 
was lost amid death-floods, and his appointment 
made sure for heaven. 

" There all our toils are o'er, 
Our suffering and our pain." 

He made this city his home from June, 1834, to 
1852, at which date, his estimable wife was carried 
to the Yantic Cemetery. In character, he was alfa- 
ble, cheerful, highly perceptive ; and as a minister, 
lucid, argumentative, and devoted, " pre-eminently 
a preacher for the times." 

His son, Rev. Daniel Dorchester, Jr., though born 
at Duxbury, Mass., March 11, 1827, was converted 
in this city at eight years of age under the memora- 
ble labors of Rev. William Livesey, 1835, the same 



HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHUECH. 121 



period, as epochs the conversion of Revs. Edward 
A. Manning, Henry E. Hempstead, and Frank 
Bill. Mr. James Jennings was for a long time his 
Sunday-school teacher. For several years, he was 
under the tuition of Mr. Calvin Tracy, after which 
he fitted for college under Rev. J. Augustus 
Adams, and entered the AYesleyan University 
in 1843. 

He, together with Rev. L. D. Bentlev, was recom- 
mended to the Quarterly Conference, for " license 
to preach/' by the Board of East Main Street 
Church, December 28, 1846 ; both licensed by the 
Quarterly Conference held at Xorwich North, 
January 2, 1847, and recommended to Providence 
Conference at a Quarterly Conference held at 
Greenville, March 20th. of that year, Rsv. Frank- 
lin Gavitt being pastor. 

He was successively appointed, by the Providence 
Conference, to Somers, East Thompson, South Glas- 
tenbury. East Woodstock, Eastford, and Mystic, In 
1855, he was elected to the Connecticut Senate 
from the fourteenth Senatorial District, by the 
highest vote for senator in the State. At the ex- 
piration of the session he was constituted chairman 
of a Board of Commissioners on Idiocy, upon whicli 
he reported at the next session. After holding a 
" superannuated " relation 1856 and 1857, he joined 
the New England Conference by " location," where 
he has been stationed at Charlestown, Worcester 
Third Church, Lowell St. Paul's, Charlestown 

6 



122 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 



Trinity Church, after which he was appointed Pre- 
siding Elder of Worcester District. His character 
is nearly too symmetrical for particular reference. 
Few will be found whose qualities lit them for so 
wide a sphere of usefulness. In the pastorate, or the 
senate, pulpit or parlor, his abilities shine with no 
equivocal light, and his reputation for statistics 
needs no mention. Active, earnest, winning, per- 
sistent, prudent, studious, and affable, Norwich, 
as foster-mother, can feel little less than a just 
pride for her talented son. 

Rev. J. M. Worcester, superannuated from ill 
health, has resided in this city the past three years. 
He was born in Boston, Mass., June, 1826 ; con- 
verted, April, 1842 ; joined Providence Conference, 
1849, and was stationed as follows: East Green- 
wich, R. I., Taunton, Mass., Scituate, Cochesett, 
South Yarmouth, Norwich, Sachem St., Fairhaven, 
Mass., Warehouse Point, Ct., South Manchester, 
and Mystic Bridge. He " superannuated " in 1864, 
but has continued ministerial labor, in an occasional 
manner, with much acceptability. His health is 
improved, at a time when the demand for ministers 
is especially instant. 

Rev. Albert F. Park, at present a local preacher 
of this city, was a native of Preston, born Dec. 11, 
1814. He experienced religion, and joined the M. 
E. Church at Wilbraham, Mass., while attending 
school in the fall of 1834. Graduating from the 
Wesleyan University in 1839, he taught until 1844, 



HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 123 



when he entered the Providence Conference, for 
seven years. He received his first license as Local 
Preacher at the residence of Mr. John Perkins, of 
this city, Dec. 16, 1843. After the seven years in 
the itinerancy, he was stationed as teacher at New 
Haven three years, when he was removed to the 
Collegiate Seminary at Charlotteville, N. T., for 
two years, at the end of which time he " located," 
and commenced business in Norwich, where he has 
labored as a Local Preacher, as opportunity offered. 
Mr. Park is possessed of much natural and scholas- 
tic ability, highly argumentative powers, and a 
clear discrimination and exposition of truth. 

The casket of Rev. John F. Blanchard slumbers 
in the beautiful " Yantic Cemetery," under a mon- 
ument inscribed, " Erected by his brethren of the 
Providence Conference," — a sufficient testimonial of 
the affection and respect in which he was held by 
his ministerial co-laborers. His ministry is chron- 
icled: 18-13, Somers and Windsorville ; '44, East- 
ham and Orleans ; '45, Orleans ; '46, Mansfield ; 
1847-18, Falmouth; '49, Lyme; and East Lyme 
1850-'51. In August, 1851, he put on immortality 
in this city, where kind relatives, with his devoted 
wife, laid him gently to rest in God's palanquin, 
the coffin, and his rest cannot fail to be sweet, where 
angel hands wipe away the dust and sw^eat of life's 
battle, to find moral integrity, unaffected humility, 
deep piety, and ministerial fidelity. 

Rev. George R. Bentley was born in North 



124 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 

Stonington, June 10, 1810. He was trained up by 
his parents to lead a moral life. His mother used 
to spend hours with him when but a lad, and his 
inquiring mind elicited much which led him to 
think of religion when but a boy of eight or ten 
years of age. When at school, a deeply pious lady, 
Miss Thankful Ayer, invited him to take part in a 
Sabbath-school in a country school-house, and then, 
and there, the w r ork of God might have been com- 
pleted had it been carried on, for under her pious 
instruction he became religiously affected, and, at 
that age, gave many an exhortation, and preached 
many a sermon, when alone, without ever knowing 
or thinking that God would call him, in after life, 
to preach His Gospel. At eighteen, he went away 
from home to school, determined to educate himself, 
but disease prostrated him and he came near death's 
door, being given over by physicians to die. He 
now sought God with his whole heart, and became so 
happy in his mind that he could adopt the language 
of the Apostle, " to live is Christ, and to die is gain." 

For several years he spent much time in prayer, 
but having no religious associates, he afterwards 
nearly gave up the idea of leading a religious life. 
At last, in or about the year 1835, he heard of a 
camp-meeting in Plainfield, and resolved, be the 
consequences what they might, he would attend it. 
When he first came on to the ground, Tuesday, he 
discovered Rev. William Livesey upon the stand, in 
the midst of his sermon, representing the old man 



HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 125 



of sin, and how to put it off. The next day, Rev. 
Tra M. Bidwell preached, there being not less than 
eight or ten who " lost their strength," and were 
carried to their tents. On Friday, it rained power- 
fully all day, and the meetings were held in the 
tents. The power of God came down, and there 
was not an unconverted man or woman in Preston 
tent that was not inquiring what they should do to 
be saved. At this time, Rev. George E. Bentley 
made a complete consecration of all to God, and 
was admitted to the class on Preston Plain, and 
baptized by Rev. Comfort D. Fillmore. 

In 1836, Rev. Erastus Benton was appointed to 
Griswold Circuit, and Mr. Bentley went to. camp- 
meeting at Bolton, where he was presented with a 
class-paper, and his relation changed to Xorth Ston- 
ington, where he continued as leader until April 
7, 1839. Being at an evening meeting where 
Rev. E. Benton preached, after the congregation 
was dismissed, Mr. Benton addressed him : u Stop 
a moment, I wish to see you," and, sitting down, he 
wrote an Exhorter's License, and gave it to him, 
telling him to " use it in the name of the Lord." 

January 20, 1838, the Quarterly Meeting Confer- 
ence gave him a license to preach, which he used 
with success. Stopping in to a neighbor's house the 
next autumn, where he had been laboring, it being 
evening, two young men came to the house and 
sent in a message, saying they desired to see him. 
They were introduced, when they confessed that 



126 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 

they were sinners, and requested prayer. The 
evening was spent in prayer to a late hour, and the 
next day he preached to a crowded house, and 
meetings were kept up until nearly every uncon- 
verted person was brought into the fold of Christ. 
The Rev. John Sheffield assisted him in these 
labors. It was a day of salvation indeed. Such 
was his usefulness, that in a protracted meeting at 
Gale's Ferry, where he labored with Rev. Edmund 
G. Standish, in 1838, he decided to give himself to 
the work of the ministry, but, having no one to 
advise with, he was kept from this resolution. In 
1839, he came to Norwich, and worked at his trade, 
and in Dec. 15, 1840, he married Miss Sarah F. Tour- 
tellotte, a native of Thompson, Ct., and becoming 
settled in life he has never consented to be confined 
to any one place as a preacher, but has labored as 
opportunity presented, at Norwich and the sur- 
rounding towns. In April, 1866, he was appointed 
to Montville, by Rev. P. T. Kenney, Presiding Elder, 
as preacher in charge, where he has labored accept- 
ably. He has traveled probably over two thousand 
miles, at his own expense, and the only remunera- 
tion ever received was six dollars, and he broke his 
carriage on that trip, at an expense of ten dollars 
for repairs. Thus he has labored for the good of 
his fellow-men without any reward in this life, 
looking for it hereafter. He has been class-leader, 
steward, and trustee for a great part of his residence 
in Norwich. 



HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 127 

Rev. Ira M. Bidwell was born at East Hartford, 
Jan. 31, 1803. In early life, he suffered several 
narrow escapes from death, being twice rescued 
from drowning. At fifteen years of age, he re- 
moved to Hartford, where he experienced religion 
under the preaching of Rev. J. N. Maffltt, in the 
fall of 1819. His convictions were pungent, and, 
although at first no stone was left unturned to re- 
sist and destroy them, he finally resolved to conse- 
crate his heart and life to Christ, and soon found 
the evidences of Divine favor. Mrs. Ellis Cook, of 
Hartford, afterward remarked to him : " I re- 
member how you looked : you were laughing and 
crying at the same time." After joining on proba- 
tion, and having somewhat abated his activity, he 
reconsecrated himself and experienced a greater 
blessing than ever before, and in a short time he 
was impressed with the duty of preaching. Feeling 
deeply the consequent responsibility, and endeavor- 
ing to substitute other duties, and his health be- 
coming impaired, he was the subject of a most 
remarkable illusion or dream. A man seemed to 
stand over him with a drawn sword, who said: 
" You know your duty and you vrill not do it " 
He plead for release from justice, who was instant 
on his mission, and, awaking under great feeling, 
promised to perform the duty which had become so 
palpable to his conscience. The ensuing winter he 
resided in Manchester, Ct. After having been 
class-leader and exhorter, he obtained a Local 



128 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 



Preacher's license, at a Local Preachers' Confer- 
ence, held at Middlebury, Feb. 6, 1823. Desiring 
to enter the Itinerancy, and being too late to be 
recommended to the New York Conference, he at- 
tended the New London District Preachers' Con- 
ference of East Glastenbury, April 6, 1824, 
where he was duly recommended to the New 
England Conference, Rev. J. A. Merrill being 
Presiding Elder. At the annual session of that 
Conference, held at Barnard, June 22d, he w T as 
received on trial, and appointed to Needham Cir- 
cuit, which comprised Needham, Natick, "Weston, 
Waltham, Lincoln, Sudbury, Framingham, Marl- 
borough, Bolton, Harvard, Leominster, Lunen- 
burg, and, in the last part of the year, Lowell. 
His colleagues w r ere Revs. Benjamin Hazelton and 
John E. Risley. The circuit was three hundred 
miles in circumference, and he received for his 
salary, all told, fifty-six dollars and some cents ! It 
was a year of general prosperity to the circuit. 

The next year he was appointed to Hardwick 
Circuit, Vt., and after the early departure of Rev. 
Roswell Putnam, he was made the preacher in 
charge, with Rev. C. Richardson. An unusual 
revival began at Albany during the year, and the 
salary was reckoned at eighty-two dollars, which 
was paid in wheat, worth about seventy-five cents 
per dollar of the currency, which was exceedingly 
limited in circulation. 

May 23d, he was married at Hartford, by Rev. 



HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 129 



Tobias Spicer, to Miss Nancy Church, whose con- 
version nearly synchronized with that of Mr. 
Bidwell. In the Conference of that year he was 
made deacon in the ministry, and appointed to 
Brookfield Circuit, which he had scarcely reached 
before hemorrhage of the lungs prostrated him, 
and he was compelled to return to his home. 

At the next Conference he resumed his regular 
labors upon the Manchester Circuit of Connecti- 
cut, which included Manchester, East Hartford, 
Bolton, Coventry, Mansfield, Willimantie, and 
Gilead. He subsequently filled the following ap- 
pointments: 1828-'29, Thompson Circuit; 1830, 
Bristol, R. L; 1831- , 32, Fall River; 1833-'31, 
Webster; 1835, Lowell; 1836, Hollister; 1837-'3S, 
Provincetown ; 1839, Wellfleet. At the latter ap- 
pointment his health declined, and in the next 
Conference he took the " superannuated " relation 
and removed to Willington, Ct., where, with the 
exception of a year passed at Webster, 1813, he 
remained until the fall of the next autumn, when 
he came to Norwich, living first on School Street. 
The spring after he made his home at Greenville, 
and, improving in health, he returned to the 
Annual Conference of 1852, was raised to the 
"effective" relation, and stationed at South Truro. 
On his way home from the Session, he met with an 
accident from the cars being crushed by the fall of 
a bridge, and has since retired from the active 
ministry, holding the "superannuated" relation. 

6* 



130 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 

Returning to Norwich City in 1854, he set up the 
u boot and shoe" trade, with his affable son, Mr. 
George E. Bidwell, who has now an extensive 
patronage. He has occasionally preached during 
his disability, and the Achilles is ever disclosed at 
the sound of the war-trumpet. But his remaining 
labors will be few and limited on earth, and the 
prayer of many shall be that his rest may be long 
and sweet in heaven. 

His ministrations have been characterized by 
unwonted zeal, devotion, laboriousness, spirituality, 
sacrifice, efficiency, and success. Possessed of 
great firmness, he has been placed in positions of 
trust and danger, and faithful to his early princi- 
ples, he is one of the few who survive to relate the 
sufferings and successes of Primitive Methodism. 

Bev. Ezra Withey was born in Griswold, Ct., 
June 4, 1808. When about nine years of age he 
first attended a Methodist meeting, held by Mr. 
Shubael Cady, in which his wife, Mrs. Wait Cady, 
took a prominent part. It was held at the house 
of Mr. David Lawrence, a blacksmith. The occa- 
sion was one of deep interest, especially to young 
Withey, who had contracted from Madam Bumor 
very disparaging views of the Methodists. His 
language is : 

'•In their testimony it seemed they were blessed with angels' 
tongues, inspired with the Holy Spirit. It was like oil poured 
forth. 0, how awful and yet glorious was that place ! I did not 
put off my shoes, but ere I was aware I found myself standing, 



HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 131 



lost in wonder, dissolved in love, and transported with their songs 
of praise. Mother Cadv was the first person I ever saw kneel in 
prayer, the first female I ever heard pray, and the first female I 
ever heard testify in a religions meeting.'' 

From this time, lie appears to date a positive 
religions conviction. He prayed in secret, and 
was greatly pleased when his mother found Christ 
under a sermon from Rev. David X. Bentley, 
whom he had persuaded her to hear, when he was 
thirteen years of age. His mind became greatly 
disturbed upon the subject of Divine foreordina- 
tion. He says : 

" The preaching of these years was much on the doctrine of un- 
conditional election and reprobation. 

"I thought I had sought sincerely and as honestly as I knew 
how. and I dare not think myself a Christian. It may be, I am. 
after all. an unconditional reprobate. So I concluded hell must be 
my inevitable portion, unless there was some hope I had not dis- 
covered. 

** I often tried to make it seem how it would be to be forever 
lost. I often tried to shape my ear to the awful sentence, '• Depart, 
ye cursed.' I thought I would give millions of worlds if I could 
know Christ died for me.'' 

After several unsuccessful attempts to learn a 
trade, he came to Norwich at nineteen, and con- 
cluded an agreement with Capt, Erastus Williams. 
His religious feelings became greatly indurated 
during the earlier part of his apprenticeship, of 
which he has said, " I thought, if I must finally be 
lost, there was some excuse for my taking such 



132 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 



pleasure as I could, though I realized it poor at 
best." 

" One Saturday evening, after the business of the day was over, 
I retired to an unoccupied room to be alone. After some reflection 
on my state — past, present, and future — the following questions 
were put to me by the Holy Spirit: What comfort hast thou taken 
in all thy life ? I ran over the past in my mind, and concluded I 
took more comfort in the prayer-ir eetir.g at the blacksmith's than 
in all my life put together. Wilt thou have the pleasures and joys 
of the world, or the religion of that prayer-meeting ? I answered, 
The religion of that prayer-meeting, if it is for me. Then the 
answer came, 'Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find ; 
knock, and it shall be opened unto you.' I replied, Lord, this 
means the elect. Then the remainder of the passage came. Tor 
every one that asketh receiveth, and to him that knocketh, it shall 
be opened.' Then a ray of light from the Eternal Throne shone 
into my heart, which assured me that Christ died for me — even 
me. I dropped on my knees, and asked for strength to keep my 
resolution to seek until I should find. My soul now became hope- 
ful, since I felt convinced I had a promised, crucified, and risen 
Saviour. After repeated desires to publicly consecrate myself, one 
Sabbath morning, I thought I would make one more effort, but 
before I was five rods from the door, the enemy of all good attacked 
me again, telling me I was unconditionally reprobated, and every 
thing went to prove it. I came near going back, but thought I 
would call on a Christian sister, who knew much of the Bible, and 
ask her opinion on these points, which Satan handled so success- 
fully in keeping me from God. I found her at breakfast, and imme- 
diately began my errand. She stopped eating, and said, ' You are 
under conviction.' I felt I was caught, and replied, ' I wish I was 
in reality.' However, she fully relieved my mind, in much sim- 
plicity." 

He describes his conversion, as follows : 

"For thirty-four hours this struggle lasted, when I hastened 
from my work to the open air, to pray for the last time, as it 



HISTORY OF MA IX STREET M. E. CHURCH. 133 



seemed to me. I told the Lord I had given up all as far as I knew, 
and could appeal to him as to my honesty and sincerity ; asked 
him to show me if there was any thing more. In a moment these 
words were brought with great power to my mind : 

4 But drops of grief can ne'er repay 

The debt of love I owe : 
Here, Lord, I give myself away, 
Tis all that I can do/ 

Now I saw how I had missed it. and in one moment laid poor 
ignorant, blind, sinful self, in addition to all other sacrifices, on the 
altar, and in that moment peace was spoken to my poor struggling, 
doubting soul, such peace I never knew before, and never can for- 
get, even should I prove a castaway. Now, just now, such love 
flowed in as quite overwhelmed me." 

" I felt, in my first inquiry, what shall I do for hira who has_ 
done so much for me ? The reply came in power, 1 Go, tell thy 
friends how great things the Lord hath done for thee.' Obedience 
was my watchword, and my simple story was told to many. 
Fifteen of my old mates immediately sought and found the Lord, * 
and we had some blessed times. Capt. Erastus Williams, in whose 
business I was employed, and at whose house I boarded, very 
kindly offered his large dining-room for meetings. Likewise the 
Widow Billings and the Widow Backus.' 

He soon joined the Class of Norwich North, in 
a meeting held at Captain Lamb's residence, and 
his pen again must record the experience of a 
higher Christian life : 

u Nothing but a clean heart would do for me. Brother William 
P. White led the class, and it was a most searching time, no 
daubing with untempered mortar, but every one exhorted to make 
sure work for eternity. In reply to me he said, ' Blessed are they 
which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be 
filled.' At the closing prayer, I had a view of Jesus pleading for 
me, and the Father's face full half turned from me, and I felt to 
ask the reason why. The answer was, Because thou hast not 



134 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 



believed the record of my Son. Then I saw there was no pleasing 
God without faith, and I must, by faith in the blood of the Lamb, 
be cleansed, and there was no coming to the point, but to believe 
the record at once. Then and there my heart said, Lord, I believe 
the blood which cleanseth from all unrighteousness is now being 
applied, and in a moment my heart appeared as clean as white 
paper, which never had a blot or scratch. Something whispered, 
' Be careful, it is a great blessing,' which caused me to look again. 
I immediately cried, 'Lord, I believe, to the saving of my soul.' 
Then a sacred awe came over me, and I felt I muse not move, and, 
while I was holding fast, I was rilled with a silent heaven of love, 
to such a degree as I never could conceive before. To speak or 
move just now I felt no liberty, but my utmost desire now was 
to depart and be with Christ, whose sacred wounds and scars 
never appeared half so lovely. 0, the heavenly glories which now 
appeared in a crucified, risen Saviour ! I loved him before ardent- 
ly, but now I found grace to love him more than twice as much as 
ever." 

Previous to his conversion, he was impressed 
that he should some time be called to take part in 
the ministry of Christ, and now, after the work 
had taken place, he resigned himself to the calls of 
the Spirit. For nearly forty years, he has pro- 
claimed " the power of God among rich and poor," 
and is remembered among the aged Methodists of 
this city for his zeal, integrity, piety, and general 
usefulness. 

Rev. Henry E. Hempstead was son of Mr. Eben- 
ezer Hempstead. He w 7 as born in Norwich, June 
12, 1820, and regenerated September, 1835, under 
the ministry of Rev. William Livesey, by whom he 
was baptized. His mother, Mrs. Thankful Hemp- 
stead, was highly devout, and seems to have accom- 



HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 135 



plished much for the moral and religious destiny of 
her family. His father died, leaving him a child, 
and, early in life, he entered upon type-setting. 
In his nineteenth year, he, in company with Rev. 
Frank Bill, started on foot for the Wesleyan Acad- 
emy at Wilbraham, Mass., where, by strict econ- 
omy, together with some aid derived from teaching 
and preaching, he prosecuted his studies to a point 
beyond preparation for college. 

Returning to his native city, he preached several 
months at Bozrah, Connecticut, after which he was 
employed by Rev. Phineas Crandall, Presiding 
Elder, at Barre, Mass. In December, 1842, he was 
removed to take charge of Lunenburg, in the same 
State, where Rev. S. Heath, the appointed minis- 
ter, had become occupied with Millerism. 

December 6, 1812, he married Miss Hannah E. 
Merrill, daughter of Rev. Joseph A. Merrill, a 
lady of uncommon adaptation for the idiosyncrasies 
of ministerial life, of great energy of character, 
and high domestic worth. 

A revival attended his labors at Lunenburg, and 
he was returned to the same charge the succeeding 
year. Previous to 1813, he had served as Local 
Preacher, his license being first given at a Quarterly 
Conference, held at Wilbraham, September 9, 1839, 
Rev. Daniel Dorchester, Presiding Elder. In 1843, 
he joined the New England Conference. Rev. L. 
Crowell, his Presiding Elder, continues his history 
in the following language : 



136 HISTORY OF MAIX STREET M. E. CHURCH. 



" His subsequent appointments were as follows : TVeston, Mil- 
ford, East Boston. Charlestown, High Street, each two years ; 
Massachusetts State Piison as Chaplain six years ; Boston Street, 
Lynn, TYatertown. each two years : when, at his request, he was 
appointed Chaplain of the 29th Regiment of Mass. Yols. He 
joined his regiment at Xewport News last spring, accompanied it 
to Suffolk, Yorktown, to Fair Oaks, and in the seven days' retreat 
to Harrison's Landing. Being sick, he obtained a short furlough, 
and returned home. He then returned, but still too unwell to enter 
upon camp service, he remained about three weeks in the hospital 
at Georgetown, rejoined his regiment at Harper's Ferry, and moved 
thence to Fredericksburg. He died of congestive fever, at Fal- 
mouth, Ya., Sabbath morning, December 21st, at the head-quarters 
of Gen. Sumner's Division, aged 42 years 6 months and 9 days." 

He says of him : 

' ; Our brother was adorned by many beautiful traits of character. 
Those who knew him most intimately found most in him to admire 
and love. He was a generous, pure-minded, lovely man. Pos- 
sessed of high social and moral qualities, he adorned every relation 
of life. He was a filial and most dutiful son. He was a diligent, 
studious, self-improving man — a great reader, a careful thinker, an 
ardent lover of good books and good men : and though much 
oppressed with a sense of his imperfections, and of his failure to 
become what his imagination had conceived to be the true model 
after which he should aspire, lie nevertheless attained to much 
excellence and perfection. As a minister of Christ, he was sincere, 
devout, faithful, and exemplary. He instructed and edified the 
church, he earnestly entreated men to be reconciled to God, he 
carefully and tenderly took the oversight of the flock. The aged 
and the young alike respected and loved him. As a speaker his 
manner was unusually pleasing and persuasive, always dignified, 
often very earnest aDd forcible. 

" He was much impressed with the importance and dignity of 
his office. The poet's picture of a good parson was well realized 
in him: 



HISTOEY OF MALS STREET M. E. CHURCH. 137 



" 4 He bore his great commission in his look, 

But sweetly tempered awe, and softened all he spoke. 
He preached the joys of heaven, the pains of hell, 
And warned the sinner with becoming zeal, 
But on eternal mercy loved to dwell.' 

" His ministrations, enforced by his upright and beautiful life, 
honored his office. By his fidelity, diligence, and tenderness, he 
so discharged the varied pastoral and ministerial duties of his office 
as to win souls, and promote the Redeemer's kingdom. Though 
pleased with his own denominatioual relation, lie was catholic, and 
loved all that love Christ. Brother H. was a genial, pleasing, and 
intelligent companion: a confiding, frank, and unfailing friend. He 
was courteous and kind. A peculiar cheerfulness, dignity, and 
affability marked his intercourse with men. Morally speaking, he 
was emphatically a beautiful man. As Jonathan was lovely to 
David, so was this dear "brother lovely to many. It may be but 
justice to our brother, and appropriate to the occasion, that we 
should unfold the motives that prompted him to enlist as a chap- 
lain, and the manner in which he discharged the duties of that 
office. 

" The necessity of appointing chaplains none can doubt. Who 
would approve of leaving the million of young men. now confront- 
ing the most stupendous power for evil ev^r organized in our world, 
without religious teachers? Without some one to minister to them 
when sick, wounded, dying ; preach to them when able to hear, 
and bury them when dead, and to exert in numberless ways, salu- 
tary influences upon their hearts and lives ? For this service our 
brother was remarkably fitted by nature, by experience, by his 
eminently successful labors for six years in the prison, by his 
love of liberty and country, by his love of the soldiers, and by the 
deep and exciting interest that filled his soul for the success of the 
national cause. 

"His naturally tender and sympathetic nature was rendered 
doubly so by oft repeated instances of domestic bereavement, 
having lost five children, and they so dying as to leave him twice 
without a child. A man of sorrows and affliction, he wisely and 
affectionately comforted others, and moved as an angel of mercy 



138 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 



among the sick, sorrowful, wounded, and dying soldiers. He pleaded 
their cause ; he ministered to them in the spirit of Christ ; he won 
their respect, confidence, and affection. 

" From the beginning of the contest he was restless to go ; he 
wanted, as he expressed it, to do something for the soldiers, some- 
thing for the country. God indicated to his heart the path of duty. 
He entered it — he succeeded. God be thanked, that whatever may 
be said of some chaplains, who may have disgraced their office, we 
feel confident that none specially connected with him will ever 
have cause to blush for shame. We believe his character remains 
pure and spotless. 

" He did not love war or camp life. He loved home as much 
as any man. Duty, he felt, commanded his services in the army. 

" When home on furlough, he was asked by his venerated mother- 
in-law if he had regretted enlisting as chaplain. He said, 1 Never 
for a moment ;' and added, that ' if he could contribute by his ser- 
vices in putting down the rebellion, he would be willing to die as 
a soldier, and be buried without coffin or shroud.' 

" His own words, written or uttered, will unfold his character in 
the office and the motives that governed him. 

" From Harper's Ferry he writes to me : 

" ' We are having, as a nation, the baptism of blood and fire ; 
but they are the symbol of a regenerated nation. So I believe 
with all my heart ; so I preached before I left you. It was this 
that inspired me ; it inspires me now. It is with the hope I may 
contribute somewhat — if but a mite, to the sublime, providential 
influences that are destined to make this continent one great domain 
of industry, intelligence, and freedom, that I sacrifice home, and 
suffer the absence of loved ones dearer to me than life.' 

" Near Fredericksburg, Saturday, November 23, to Mr. Oliver 
Smith, of Charlestown, he writes : 

" 4 You wish to know how I labor. I make myself familiar with 
the sick in hospitals; I bury with customary religious services 
the dead — distribute tracts and papers, always have religious ser- 
vices on the Sabbath, if possible, and social meetings Sabbath and 
Friday evenings, when practicable — have free and unrestricted 
intercourse with the men ; by timely and kind rebuke, advice, and 



HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 139 



in a thousand ways I endeavor by example and otherwise, as a 
good minister of Christ, to do good to the bodies and souls of men. 

il ' Amidst all the confusion and trials of this mode of life, I am 
still advancing in the heavenly way. The Gospel never seemed 
more precious, or the mission of Christ's servants more sublime. 
Every day since I left my precious home and dear old State, I have 
felt God to be my refuge and strength. I glory in every thing, 
even trials and tears, that may advance his glory.' 
"November 30. — To his wife, from the same place : 
" ' You will be pleased to know that I have succeeded in having 
services every Sabbath since I got back to the regiment. On our 
marches, if we could not have our devotions one hour, I would 
seize upon another. So the time has varied, sometimes in the early 
morning and sometimes in the evening after a tedious march. We 
have services also during the week, when practicable, generally 
Friday night. And now [how touchingly these words reveal the 
exercises of the soldier's heart!] the shades of evening are falling 
on us again. This is the hour when absence from you and the 
precious children is most bitter.' " 

The account of his funeral is transcribed from 
the " Zion's Herald " and the " Boston Journal :" 

" The funeral services of this much-lamented Chaplain of the 
29th Massachusetts Regiment were held in the Tremont Street 
Church, on Monday, December 29th. 

" A large congregation completely filled the house, among whom 
were about seventy members of the New England Conference, to 
which Brother Hempstead belonged, and many members of the 
churches in Watertown, Charlestown, and East Boston, and Lynn, 
where he had been stationed, and from other churches in Boston 
and vicinity. The Governor and other State officers, the Mayor of 
Charlestown, and the officers of the State Prison, of which Mr. 
Hempstead had been Chaplain, were present. 

" The services opened with the beautiful hymn commencing: 

" ' Friend after friend departs, 
Who hath not lost a friend? 1 



140 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 

" Select passages of Scripture were read by Rev. L. I). Barrows, 
the pastor, and Rev Mr. Miles, of the First Congregational Church 
of Charlestown, offered prayer. 

u A sermon was preached by Rev. E. 0. Haven, I). D., from the 
text in St. John's Gospel, ix. 4 — ' I must work the works of Him 
that sent me ; for the night cometh, when no man can work.' 

M The preacher first considered the idea sometimes advanced that 
death ends a man's thoughts, consciousness, and feelings. Christ 
inculcates that man is conscious after death, and that his happiness 
depends upon the use he has made of his life. The experience 
after death is night only as viewed from earth ; it is morning as 
seen from heaven. The teaching in the text is, that in this life all 
men have a work to do, which must be done here or never. The 
first great work of a human being is to work for himself. He can- 
not conscientiously and successfully work for God, unless he is 
himself endowed with a higher life. The speaker then discussed 
the nature of the work to be done in this world, and said that it 
ought to be done by good men. The address was applied to the 
occasion and the man. Dr. Haven argued, that those who are con- 
tending against this rebellion are just as much co-workers with 
God as those who preach the Gospel, visit the sick, clothe the 
naked, and feed the hungry. He whose body lay cold before them 
was a man among the first rank of those who actually made it a 
constant purpose to work the most effectually for humanity and 
for God. The highest eulogy that he could pronounce upon him 
was to say, that he believed from his heart that the predominant 
purpose of his life had been for many years to do the most good he 
possibly could do in the world. 

11 The speaker then gave a discriminating account of the deceased, 
his devotion to duty, and his services as chaplain, by the testimony 
of soldiers under his care, from the time of the battles of the 
Chickahominy to the last at Fredericksburg. 

" Rev. Loranus Crowell, D. D., gave a biographical sketch of the 
deceased. He had been a preacher about twenty years. He 
joined his regiment last spring at Fortress Monroe, and was with 
it during the Peninsular Campaign. He entered the army from a 



HISTOJRY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 141 



sense of duty, and by the faithful discharge of the duties of his 
office, won the respect, confidence, and affection of the soldiers. 

" Rev. E. A. Manning and Rev. Mr. Miles followed, in beautiful 
and affecting tributes to the memory of the deceased. 

il A last view of the remains was then taken by sorrowing- 
friends. The casket was enveloped in the national ensign, and 
decked with laurel wreaths and rare flowers. The following were 
the pall-bearers : Rev. B. K. Pierce. Rev. C. L. McCurdy, Rev. E. 
A. Manning, Rev. George M. Steele, Rev. Z. A. Mudge, and Rev. 
U. Dwight. 

" The body will be taken to Wilbraham, and interred in the 
graveyard attached to the Seminary there." 

The " Boston Preachers' Meeting," at a session 
held Monday morning, December 29, 1862, unani- 
mously adopted, by a rising vote, the following re- 
solutions : — 

" Resolved, That we have heard with deep emotion of the sudden 
demise of our excellent friend and beloved brother, Rev. H. E. 
Hempstead, late Chaplain of the 29th Regiment Massachusetts Vol- 
unteers, and member of the N. E. Conference of the M. E. Church. 

"Resolved, That his position in the ministry, of which he was a 
bright ornament, his ability as a public speaker, his patriotic devo- 
tion to his country, the excellence of his character in all the social 
relations of life, as citizen, husband, and father, all combined with 
the suddenness of his removal from life and its enjoyments to the 
solemn realities of eternity, make this bereavement most deeply 
afflictive. 

' ; Resolved, That while we deplore the death of our esteemed fellow- 
laborer, we submissively bow to the dispensation of Providence, in 
the full belief that what has been our great loss has been our 
brother's greater gain : and that he has only been called thus early 
to receive the reward and welcome of the good and faithful 
servant. 

" Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with the family and friends 



142 HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 



of the deceased, and commend them to God. who has promised to 
remember the -widow and fatherless." 

At a meeting of the official members of the M. E. 
Church of Watertown, held on the evening of 
December 22, 1862, the accompanying resolutions 
were unanimously adopted : 

'•Whereas, we have learned with sincere sorrow of the death of 
our late beloved pastor, Rev. Henry E. Hempstead, chaplain of the 
29th Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteers, at the head- 
quarters of General Sumner's division, upon the Rappahannock ; 
and desiring to make some formal expression of our deep emotions 
under this providence : Therefore, 

"1. Resolved. That we humbly bow before this expression of the 
Divine Will, knowing that the event has been ordered in wisdom 
and love, however painful in its human aspects to us. 1 Even so, 
lather, for so it seemed good in Thy sight.' 

il 2. Resolved, That we bear grateful testimony to the valuable 
services of our dear brother when ministering among us — to his un- 
blemished purity, to his marked gentleness and courtesy, and to the 
universal affection with which he was regarded, both in the church 
and in the community. 

u 3. Resolved, That we were profoundly impressed with the 
earnestness and sincerity of his love for our afflicted country, and 
his confident belief that in struggling for her he was fulfilling his 
duty to God, urging him, at great sacrifices, to take the position 
which he has filled to the comfort of many a suffering soldier (as 
such an one has often borne testimony), and we trust to the salva- 
tion of some. 

"4. Resolved, That we do, in union with all our members and the 
community generally, sincerely sympathize with our truly afflicted 
sister and her fatherless daughters, in the loss of a peculiarly fond 
and faithful husband and father ; and we would prayerfully com- 
mend her to her only solace — to the widow's God and the Father 
of fatherless children. 

"5. Rejoiced, That we ask the privilege of tendering the accom- 



HISTORY OF MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH. 143 



panying donation (two hundred dollars) as a free-will offering of 
sympathy and appreciation from friends within and without the 
church. 

" 6. Resolved, That we will attend the funeral services as a 
body." 

No supplement is needed or can be furnished to 
these unequivocal expressions. He rests amid the 
benedictions of heaven and earth, and when God's 
nobility put on their regalia, he shall shine " as the 
stars forever and ever." 



CHAP TEE VIII. 



HISTORY OF GREENVILLE M. E. CHURCH. 



During the pastorate of Rev. Isaac Stoddard 
over the Norwich appointment, five Methodist 
ladies removed to Greenville, and were employed 
in the cotton-mill of Mr. Archibald Kennedy. The 
building is now known as " Deacon Mowry's Ma- 
chine Shop." Soon after their advent the} 7 were 
formed into a " class," together with a Miss Hannah 
Dean, who hailed from Willimantic. The names of 
those eminent five were Hannah Cranston, Sabra 
Bushnell, Roxana Starkweather, Sarah Dennison, 
and Belinda Rood, of whom the first still resides in 
Greenville, respected, beloved, and devoted. Mr. 
Jesse Dennison, who was also an exhorter, was ap- 
pointed the first leader of the class. " Five o'clock " 
meetings were soon held on the Sabbath, at which 
Rev. George May often preached, in a grove that 
was then situated in the rear of the " chapel," for- 
merly the Methodist Church. This woodland was 
at that time thick and dark, and only a little path 
extended through to Mr. Elisha Hill's. Here this 
zealous band were accustomed to listen to the Word 



HISTORY OF GREENVILLE M. E. CHURCH. 145 

of Life, seated on rocks, boards, and chairs, and du- 
ring the first summer several conversions occurred. 
Subsequently, Messrs. John B. Truman and Rich- 
mond Cranston became leaders. Still later, Messrs. 
Samuel Wilbur, James Babcock, and Martin Ober- 
nauer enjoyed the same honorable distinction. Rev. 
David X. Bentley also preached frequently during 
the early history of the Society, and baptized many 
of the converts. In the year 1834 he baptized eleven 
in the Shetucket River, and eight the year follow- 
ing. Additions were made to the classes until a 
house for public and social services became neces- 
sary. Accordingly, at an adjourned Quarterly Con- 
ference, May 13, 1839, Mr. Frederick Coles "inti- 
mated a wish that a committee might be appointed 
to take into consideration the expediency of building 
a house for public worship at Greenville, and report 
at the first Quarterly Conference of next conference 
year/' In approbation of which it was u Resolved, 
That a committee, consisting of Messrs. Frederick 
Coles, William Callyhan, and James Jennings, be 
appointed for that purpose." In the Quarterly 
Conference of November 21, 1839, the above com- 
mittee reported " about $350 subscribed," " and the 
promise of a lot to be given by the Water-Power 
Company, and recommended Trustees to be ap- 
pointed to take a deed of the lot. The following 
persons were 'appointed, viz. : David X. Bentley, 
Frederick Coles, Sanford B. Swan, William Cally- 
han, and Richmond Cranston. The same to be a 

7 



146 HISTORY OF GREENVILLE M. E. CHURCH. 

building committee, with discretionary powers to 
erect said building, and at such time as they may 
think proper." 

The " chapel " was dedicated by Rev. D. Dor- 
chester, in the early part of 1840. During the 
pastorate of Rev. D. M. Rogers, it w T as lengthened 
to meet the requisitions of the increasing audience. 
During the Conference year of 1841, Rev. A. 
Latham often preached at Greenville, and a num- 
ber professed conversion. 

In 1842, Rev. S. Lamberton, Local Preacher, 
was pastor, and his labors will ever be held in high 
estimation. A revival of uncommon power attended 
his labors, and his character was exceedingly amia- 
ble and spiritual. Rev. Roger Albertson reported, 
at the close of 1843, ninety-six members in full 
connection, and eighteen on trial ; twelve converted, 
and eight withdrawn, during the year. The latter 
item is the more significant, as it connects with the 
ki Scottite" movement of that place, a schism of 
about twenty members, that continued but a short 
period, but threatened, atone time, serious disaster 
to the young Society. They were accustomed to 
meet in the school-house in the rear of the Baptist 
church. Most afterwards returned to the fellow- 
ship of the Church. The pastorates of Revs. M. 
P. Alderman, Charles Morse, Sanford Benton, L. 
Daggett, Jr., William Turkington, E. Blake, and 
W. O. Cady will ever be cherished in memory as 
years of revival, or great acceptability. 



HISTORY OF G-REEST1LLE M. E. CHURCH. 14:7 



This Society has always been marked by devotion 
and religious activity among its members. That 
which especially has affected, their numerical sta- 
bility has been the flux of the inhabitants, a feature, 
in greater or less degree, of every manufacturing 
town. From about 1855 the Society declined in 
numbers until, in the autumn of 1861, public Sab- ' 
bath services were discontinued, and the chapel 
sold. Great was the sorrow of the veteran members 
as they left for the last time their religious home. 
The cause of Methodism was, however, only bap- 
tized in the tears that fell, and a brighter day and 
a better church shall soon reward the faithful. 

In the Conference year of 1863, the present place 
of worship was so far begun and indemnified, that 
at the ensuing annual Conference they petitioned 
for an independent pastorship, which was granted 
them. Rev. J. Ellis Hawkins was stationed at the 
new appointment, under circumstances that would 
call into exercise all his varied talents, and prove" 
a test of his ability to lead forward a Society under 
doubtful advantages. The limited indifference 
that was encountered in the enterprise had aroused 
the members, concentrated their efforts, and led to 
determined sacrifices. With this favorable omen, 
Mr. Hawkins led his prudence, activity, and esti- 
mable wife to the field, where he soon saw the favor 
of God crowning his ministry, and confirming the 
interests of what had become, at his advent, nearly 
missionary ground for Methodism. He dedicated 



148 HISTORY OF GREENVILLE M. E. CHURCH. 

the new church, April % 1864, with a sermon 
from 1 Peter i. 13. The dedication of the house 
was only adumbrative of the renewed dedication of 
hearts, and a revival of greater or less efficiency has 
synchronized with his entire pastorate of three years. 

About one hundred have been honored by the 
" anxious seat," and seventy-two have been enrolled 
as probationers, most of whom have been received 
into full connection. The members have been 
increased more than threefold, and, what is ever 
worthy of mention, both pastor and people appear 
to be held in high esteem by the community. 

Among the deceased, or rather among the now 
" Immortals," the names of Mr. Samuel Wilbur and 
first wife, Miss Almira Cole, daughter of Mr. Fred- 
erick Cole, Mrs. Keturah Clark, one of the oldest 
members, Mrs. Betsy Bennett, deeply pious, Mrs. 
Louisa Wilbur, first wife of Mr. John Wilbur and 
daughter of Mr. Frederick Cole, Messrs. Osborn 
Kinney, and Sanford Prentice, were greatly beloved 
in life and honored by a glorious dissolution. 

Mr. John Sherman was an active participant in 
the interests and movements of the church, while 
Rhodes Alexander, George Culver, Elsey Maynard, 
Elizabeth Gardner, Francis A. Batty, Erastus Cole, 
Elizabeth Neweomb, Mary Arnold, and others, 
died in the Lord, leaving their lives and usefulness 
to the church as a sacred inheritance. 



" Thus star by star declines, 
Till all are passed away." 



HISTORY OF GREENVILLE M. E. CHURCH. 149 

Many of those who took an active and early part 
removed to other portions of the country or discon- 
tinued their activity with this church, among whom 
Mrs. Roxana Palmer, wife of the late Mr. Robert 
M. Palmer, of Main St. M. E. Church, Miss Amy 
Prentice, since married and removed, Mr. Buell, 
Mr. John B. Truman, Mr. Martin Obernauer, Mr. 
O. Beckwith, and Mr. James Babcock, merit espe- 
cial honor. 

But the most signal member of this Society 
remains to be mentioned — Mr. Frederick Cole. He 
first presented a petition for separate preaching at 
Greenville, and by his stability, activity, and ardent 
piety, became nearly synonymous with the Method- 
ism of that place for many years. During all his 
Christian career, he seems to have maintained a 
fervent love for the church of his choice ; was class- 
leader for half a century. He died November 8, 
1866, aged eighty, after he had survived to witness 
his highest earthly ambition, the erection of a new 
church and a gracious revival. His last days were 
peaceful, and full of the oft-repeated desire to enter 
the u mansions fitted up for him in glory/' 

But others who have long served the Society 
will take the banner from his victorious but fallen 
hand, and, planting it on his grave, will continue to 
defend and cherish the cause. God gives men and 
grace for the hour, and when Washington is called 
to the Cabinet of Heaven, Lincoln is substituted to 
raise the nation higher than the past. Among the 



150 HISTORY OF GREENVILLE M. E. CHURCH. 

active members of to-day, the name of Mr. Owen 
Stead is highly significant, of a catholic, humorous, 
and cheerful disposition, and a useful, enlightened 
piety. Messrs. John Wilbur and Henry P. Lee 
are active officers of the church, and Mr. Elisha 
Perry, with Mr. Albert Brewster and others, will 
be remembered as contributing much to the spirit- 
ual or practical interests of the new Society. The 
church has ever been blessed with a pious sister- 
hood, many of whom have long since been removed 
with reliable certificates to " the church of the first- 
born in heaven. " Among the remaining, Miss 
Hannah Cranston, one of the original five early 
members, and Miss Nancy Babcock, Mrs. Asenath 
Wilbur, and Mrs. Ann Anderson, of later date, are 
distinguished by a devoted Christian character. It 
would be inconsistent and impossible to properly 
memorialize all the meriting, and especially the 
young, whose history, although so well begun, is 
yet to he made. May they not fail in due time to 
reap the spiritual laurels of earth and heaven. 

Rev. Henry C. Arnold, a local preacher of the 
M. E. Church, is a member here, and by a consist- 
ent life, and acceptable participation in the social 
meetings, is useful and respected, while his labors 
abroad, upon the Sabbath, are with the divine bles- 
sing. 

The record of this church, on the whole, has 
been chameleon, in respect to permanent numbers, 
and financials ; but, spiritually, the fire has never 



HISTORY OF GREENVILLE M. E. CHURCH. 151 

gone out upon the altar. The recording angel alone 
can survey all the harvest of the bygone — God only, 
the success of the future. As the past encourages, 
so the present should stimulate to greater zeal, 
and, necessarily, to greater victory. 



CHAPTEE IX. 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 

The pioneer spirit of Eev. D. N. Bentley and 
others was not yet prepared for adopting the words 
of Simeon : " Lord, lettest now thy servant depart 
in peace." Another church is to arise, progress 
under grave, but not insurmountable difficulties, and 
culminate in freedom from debt, and general pros- 
perity. Eev. James D. Butler, in the "Preachers' 
Church Book" of Main Street M. E. Church, 
writes : " About October, in consequence of a desire 
long cherished by a portion of our membership, for 
a separate interest on the west side of the river, a 
place was procured, and a meeting opened. Soon 
after a regular church was organized." The " Ee- 
cord Book of the Trustees" of the Free Church con- 
tains the following : " In the summer of 1864, some 
brethren connected with the E. Main Street M. E. 
Church, in the City of Norwich, under the pastoral 
charge of Eev. James D. Butler, obtained the ap- 
probation of said church and pastor to procure a 
place for a free meeting, in the city. In pursuance 
of this object, these brethren obtained and fitted up 
a large commodious room on Central Wharf. And 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



153 



for the purpose of giving character and authority 
to the enterprise, the Quarterly Meeting Conference, 
holden in the vestry of the E. Main Street M. E. 
Church, on the evening of the 29th day of Sep- 
tember, 1854, appointed Messrs. Alvan C. Currier, 
Ulysses S. Gardner, John M. Brewer, David H. 
Seaman, Henry W. Leach, and William B. Lewis, 
to act as stewards to procure means to support and 
carry forward the object of organizing and estab- 
lishing a free church in the city, where the pews 
in the place of worship shall be free to be occupied 
by any and all who may be induced to attend such 
place of worship, without respect of persons, or con- 
dition in society." 

The Quarterly Conference records for Sept. 29th, 
1854, contain the following : " Brother Butler says 
that a few brethren have opened a new house of 
worship on the west side, and wish to be set off, 
stating also, that the subject had been brought be- 
fore the Board, and acted upon, and approved. 
The Presiding Elder wished to know how many of 
the members w r ere engaged in the movement. The 
answer was, 6 about twenty-five.' Other remarks 
were made on the movement of the brethren on the 
west side, and a resolution was presented to the 
Conference, as follows : ' Resolved, That this Con- 
ference approve of the action of the Board, by 
which they consented that the brethren should 
organize a new church on the west side of the 
river.' Passed. * * The Presiding Elder de- 



154 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



clared them to be a separate charge, and Brother I. 
M. Bidwell is to have charge of the new station." 

The " Bethel," situated on Central Wharf, was 
secured as a temporary place of public worship, 
and after having been refitted, was dedicated Sept. 
26, 1854, by Rev. Robert M. Hatfield. During 
the year, a white flag was displayed from the 
church, inscribed "Bethel Church." 

Nov. 26 of that year, their former pastor resign- 
ing, Rev. C. R. Wilkin s, a local preacher from the 
Troy Conference, was made his successor, and was 
reappointed at the ensuing Annual Conference, 
when the Station was designated, " West Main Street 
M. E. Church." He remained only till June 18th 
of that year, when Rev. Charles M, Payne assumed 
the pastorship, and closed the year after a most 
interesting revival, which proved a blessing no less 
to other denominations than the " Bethel." 

In the biennial ministry of Rev. L. D. Bentley, 
the following occurs among the archives of the 
Society : " At a meeting of the Official Board, 
convened Aug. 31, 1857, Rev. L. D. Bentley and 
Messrs. James M. Currier and John M. Brewer 
were authorized to purchase the lot on the south 
side of Main Street, belonging to the Main Street 
Congregational Society." The same committee 
was appointed to take the deed in trust and con- 
tract for building a new church upon that site. 
They contracted for the lot, and proceeded to build 
the basement, when serious reverses beset the enter- 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



155 



prise, and threatened fatal results. Rev. David "N". 
Bentley, however, by supplying the pulpit free of 
expense for a year, and donating one thousand dol- 
lars, a sum which Mrs. Betsey Bentley, his wife, 
equaled in her subscription, at the same extremity, 
relieved temporarily the crisis. The basement was 
first occupied Feb. 13, 185S, and the church was 
dedicated by a sermon from Rev. Dr. Raymond, 
then of Wilbraham, Aug. 3, 1859, under the pas- 
torship of Rev. Robert Parsons. The ministry of 
Rev. Carlos Banning witnessed considerable pros- 
perity, and Rev. Isorris G. Lippitt, from his success, 
w r as retained to the utmost limit. But a heavy 
debt encumbered its growth until Oct. 1866, when 
the entire indebtedness was sw^ept away. The fol- 
lowing explains, taken from the Norwich Bulletin, 
Oct. 11, 1866: 

4 'Since the commencement of the present Conference year, a 
friend outside of this church, but partial to free sittings in the 
' house of God,' said to the official Board : 4 It is in vain for you to 
struggle longer with this burdensome debt, drawing semi-annually 
on your limited means of support. Now I will give you $1,000 on 
condition that you will raise the other $2,000, and wipe out this 
church debt by the first of October.' The matter was undertaken, 
with confidence that the good people of Norwich, of different 
denominations friendly to the cause, would respond generously to 
an application for assistance to accomplish this desirable object. 
And the result has been, by twenty-eight subscriptions, including 
that of the friend above alluded to, the whole sum of $3,000 has 
been raised. The mortgage has been canceled, aud the church is 
now free from debt. 

" Those g3nerous donors who, in the spirit of true Christian philan- 



156 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



thropy, have aided in this good work, have now the satisfaction of 
knowing that Norwich has one decently finished and very com- 
modious free-seated house of worship; pleasantly located in the 
central part of the city, for the benefit of the people, where all are 
alike invited to avail themselves of the privilege of attending 
divine worship and the preaching of the Gospel ; where none in 
our city, however poor or unfortunate in their circumstances, or 
transient persons in the place, on business or otherwise, have^the 
excuse for not attending religious worship on the Sabbath, that 
they cannot afford to hire a slip, or that they have no seat in the 
house of God. For this church offers its seats freely to all alike— 
saying to the people, both rich and poor together, ■ 0 come, let us 
worship and bow down ; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker, 
for he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the 
sheep of his hand.' 

"It was to meet such a want in our city that this church was 
projected on the plan of free seats : and for its continued snccess 
it is now renewedly commended to God and a sympathizing Christian 
public. 

"In view of the foregoing facts, in the Providence of God, at a 
meeting of the Trustees of the M. E. Free Church, held in the 
small vestry on the 9th day of October, 1866, 

" It was Resolved, That the grateful acknowledgments and 
thanks of this Board of Trustees, in behalf of themselves and the 
Free Church in this city, are hereby tendered to those generous 
friends who have so munificently sympathized with this church 
and its object of opening a free-seated house of worship to the 
people, and for their prompt assistance in freeing the same from a 
cumbersome debt by their liberal donations, so that this church, 
by the blessing of God, may be the means of gathering from the 
1 highways and hedges^ a goodly number of saved sinners that will 
be admitted to the ' Marriage Supper of the Lamb.' And may the 
greater blessedness of those that give than of those that receive, 
be upon the generous donors." 

Its history, to-day, lies in prophecy. Trial and 
discouragement have marked the past ; but the 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 157 



future, if piety continue on their side, and worldli- 
ness and Satan on the other side, can hardly be 
less than honorable to Christ and glorious to the 
Church. 

Mr. Ulysses S. Gardner, with others of the same 
name, holds high distinction among this Society 
for his liberality in the support of the Gospel, and 
interest in all that pertains to the prosperity of the 
cause. No secondary place can be assigned Mr. 
Titus Carrier, who, as class-leader or" sweet singer 
in Israel," is little excelled in any of the previous 
churches. He seems an incarnation of the senti- 
ment, 

u O, for a thousand tongues to sing 
My great "Redeemers praise. 1 " 

Mr. John Mitchell, for exalted views of Christian 
munificence, and an ambition not only to have 
religion exist, but flourish, merits the grateful 
recognition of the Methodists of Norwich ; and, 
with his lamented brother, Mr. Thomas Mitchell, 
who was so suddenly removed from the church 
militant, entombed in the respect of community, 
will reap a full reward. In a word, the entire 
Board of Stewards ought to remove from the city, 
leaving us opportunity to speak their estimate with 
earth and heaven. 

Mr. David P. Eldredge, late of this city, and a 
member of the Free Church from March, 1861, 
was born in Nantucket, March 6, 1816. After 
leading a nautical life for several years, often visit- 



158 HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



ing the missionaries in his voyages, he came to this 
city, June, I860, where, with his worthy consort, 
he has won the respect and affection of the Society, 
who regret his departure. 

Among the laity, both young and aged, will be 
found notable examples of piety, whose record has 
been, and is being, committed to celestial archives, 
to await the publication of the judgment-day. 

Rev. David jNTiles Bentley was born in North 
Stonington, Connecticut, July 27, 1785. He was 
the third son of Mr. Ezekiel Bentley, who died 
February 4, 1834, in the ninety-seventh year of his 
age. His mother was Miss Anna Chapman, eldest 
daughter of Deacon Joseph Chapman, of Groton, 
now Ledyard. She died October 25, 1853, aged 
ninety-seven years. He was early impressed with 
the great truth that God, the Creator, was himself 
the righteous Judge of the world. This fact was 
fixed in his young mind by an incident which 
occurred when he was but a little over five years of 
age. While playing with some older children, a 
piece of mischief was done, which they all laid to 
him, for which he w T as punished rather severely. 
Being exceedingly grieved that he was punished 
for an alleged fault of which he was innocent, he 
retired into the orchard, and sat down by the side 
of a great rock, and gave vent to his grief by weep- 
ing. Then looking upwards, and beholding great 
majestic clouds sailing through the heavens, he 
thought that He who made those bodies to float on 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



159 



the " wings of the wind," knew that he was inno- 
cent of the crime for which he had been punished. 
This thought assuaged his grief, and he felt calm 
and happy. 

About three years after, George, his brother, two 
years older, was taken w T ith a disease, called at 
that time i% the Camp Distemper" and reduced to 
a mere skeleton. From him, his mother and all 
the family, of seven children, took the disease. 
They were all prostrated at once, and nearly help- 
less. Only David and his mother were able to 
render any assistance, and that by the greatest 
exertion. The neighbors, being terrified at this 
distemper, which proved so fatal in the army of 
the Revolution, were afraid to come into the house. 
Three of the children died — two in one night, 
within a few minutes of each other. The mother 
sat by the cradle of his little sister, three years 
old, closing her eyes in death, while David sat on 
the floor by the side of a little bed, on which his 
youngest brother was then dying, and closed his 
eyes. No person in the house was able to go from 
one room to another. The father had gone for 
help, but no one dared to come except a Christian 
woman, who " laid out " the dead. The following 
night, his brother, next younger than himself, died, 
and not a person in the house could do the least 
thing, to the dead. The mother and David were 
sick with the same distemper, and it was all they 
could do to render a little assistance to the other 



160 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



members of the family, almost in a dying state. 
While he was closing the eyes of this last brother, 
his mother spoke to him : " David, why are you so 
quiet and unaffected while disease and death are 
all around you ?" In reply, he said : " Dear mo- 
ther, we can't alter any thing by our tears, God 
will do that which seemeth to Him right and just. 
Let us try to do w r hat we can to help the living. 
We can't bring back the dead to life." His mother 
exclaimed, " David, you talk like a minister." 
The father procured coffins, and put the children 
into them, fastened them, and carried them some 
distance from the house, where neighbors took 
them away and buried them on the hill-side. 

After recovering, he attended a district school 
eight or ten weeks, where, as he did not join with 
the boys in their sports, they called him u Deacon" 
But after a while his seriousness diminished, and 
for nearly five years he passed a most unhappy life 
of sinning and repenting. Having a natural pro- 
pensity for fun, he w T ould indulge in those things 
through the day, and at night feel condemned, 
often afraid to close his eyes in sleep, lest he should 
w r ake up in hell. Frequently he would weep and 
pray for hours before he dared to close his eyes in 
sleep, many times promising the Lord, if He would 
spare and forgive him, he would do so no more. 
This part of his life is clearly portrayed in those 
beautiful lines of Charles Wesley : 



HISTORY OF THE FEEE CHUECH. 



161 



44 Now I repent and sin again : 
Now I revive, and now am slain : 
Slain with the same unhappy dart 
Which, oh ! too often wounds my heart." 

» 

During this state of mind, one night, after 
lamenting his sins, he lost himself in sleep, when 
he seemed to be in a field, where he was chased by 
a demon, who soon overtook him, and with a long 
knife began to cut his face, so that the blood ran 
down his cheeks and dropped from his chin. The 
muscles of his face felt as if the blood had dried 
upon them. Awaking, he could not persuade him- 
self that it was not a reality until he had washed 
his face and looked in the mirror. From the time 
of his sickness till his removal to Norwich, for a 
period of more than live years, he never had the 
privilege of attending one religious meeting of any 
kind. On the last of April, 1799, he was hired as 
a chore-boy to Mr. Barzillai Davison, of this city. 
He, with the family of Mr. Davison, attended the 
Old Episcopal Church, of which Rev. John Tyler 
was pastor. He obtained the English Prayer-Book 
then in use, and read the lessons and prayers with 
the congregation, and made the responses as audi- 
bly as Deacon Warren. At the expiration of six 
months he went home, where he spent most of the 
winter in attending the district school. The inter- 
missions were passed with the teacher in study. 
In the spring of 1800, he was " bound out" as 
an apprentice to Mr. Barzillai Davison, of Norwich, 



162 



HISTORY OF THE FRfcE CHURCH. 



to learn the trade of a goldsmith. Soon after lie 
went with a fellow- apprentice, Mr. Nicholas Chev- 
alier, several years older, to the Methodist meeting, 
wdiere th§ latter, who was very wicked, soon pro- 
fessed to be converted, quit his business, and went 
about holding meetings. About this time, Capt. 
William Davison, brother of his employer, ran a 
packet from Norwich to New York, and coming 
home sick with the yellow fever, and dying with 
his mate, the citizens became alarmed, and many 
families went into the country. Among them was 
the family of Mr. Barzillai Davison, leaving Mr. 
Bentley to take care of the house and shop. He 
had now but little to do other than reading the 
Bible, watching with the sick, and attending 
prayer-meetings. Just at this time, the eccentric 
Lorenzo Dow came into the place, and preached in 
a room then occupied by the Methodists, in an old 
wooden building now standing on the north side of 
Water street, directly opposite Norton Brother's 
store. In his unsettled and gloomy state of mind 
he went to hear, taking a seat directly behind him 
partially concealed by the door. During his dis- 
course, the preacher described the condition and 
feelings of a sinner under conviction for sin. After 
he had very clearly portrayed to the congregation 
his condition, he turned himself squarely round, 
and laying his hand on the head of Mr. Bentley, 
said : " Young man, is not that the truth, and yon 
can't deny it ?" 



HISTORY OF THE FBEE CHURCH. 163 



In this state of condemnation lie remained seve- 
ral weeks, reading the Bible, and praying some- 
times nearly all night. But no light reflected from 
the sacred page. Soon after, one night, after re- 
turning home from meeting, he retired to his room, 
read the Bible, and then prostrated himself before 
the Lord, and while praying in anguish of spirit 
he lost himself, and seemed to be urging his way 
through a dense thicket of thorns and. briers, but 
at length, with great difficulty, he emerged upon 
the bank of a river, and looking over saw a happy 
group of friends, among w T hom he recognized his 
dear mother and a godly old grandfather. They 
all desired him to cross over, but no means could 
be found. Finally, he saw a large tree, the branches 
of which seemed to extend quite over to the oppo- 
site side. He hastened to the tree, and with some 
difficulty seizing a projecting branch, soon found 
himself at the extent of its horizontal reach, when, 
lo ! to his dismay, he found himself only half way 
over the river. He thought of returning, but had 
gone so far, return was difficult, if not impossible. 
There he was, on the bending limb of that old tree, 
the deep, dark river swiftly flowing beneath him, 
into which if he fell, ruin was inevitable. He 
cried for help, and at that moment, when all hope 
of rescue failed, a most heavenly-looking person, 
from among that happy group on the other shore, 
came and stood directly under that bending branch, 
to which he was clinging almost in despair, and 



164 HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 

looking up with indescribable loveliness, said to 
him, " Let go of that tree ; I will save you from 
this raging flood.'' He let go his hold on that pre- 
carious limb, and instantly, in some way, he found 
himself safe on shore, and happy with his friends. 
The transition being so great, he came to himself, 
and found it to be a dream. Yet he felt peaceful 
in mind, wondering what all this should mean. 
The distress and condemnation for sin, which had 
so long burdened his soul, were gone. " My mind," 
he says, " was illuminated with this interpretation, 
which I applied to myself. That dense thicket 
through which I passed with so much difficulty 
was emblematic of that grievous state of mind 
through which I had been struggling for months. 
The river which separated me from the happy 
group on the other bank, was sin. The tree, the 
branches of which seemed to extend quite across 
the river, was the law, which, when best per- 
formed, can only half save the sinner. That fear- 
ful holding on to the bending branch of the tree, is 
the last position of the sinner, before he yields to 
be saved by grace alone through faith in Christ. 
The farthest branch of that tree extended only halt 
way over the river. So the law, by its strictest 
observance, only half saves the sinner. Not by 
w r orks of righteousness that we have done, but by 
His mercy hath He saved us, through faith in 
Jesus, which is the end of the law for righteous- 
ness. While I was hanging on that fearful branch 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



165 



of the Law, I saw no way of escape. ' Help 
failed me.' In my despair, Jesus came to my res- 
cue, and said to me, * Let go, and I will save you.' 
All I had to do was to let go, falling and crying, 
6 Save, Lord, or I perish? Immediately, in some 
way, how I cannot tell, I found myself safe and 
happy with my dearest friends. I could adopt the 
sentiment of the poet, where he says, 

" ; Now will I tell to sinners 'round, 
What a dear Saviour I have found.' 

" After this I was tempted to say nothing about it ; 
that 1 was a mere hoy, and no one would belieye me. 
But I soon learned that the devil was a liar. It was 
not long after this, when I felt strongly impressed 
to go home and talk with my father and mother, 
brothers and sister, but my courage failed me. 
After a tew weeks I resolved to go the first oppor- 
tunity, whatever might be the result. Accordingly, 
when I had gained a day by overwork, I started 
for the old mansion in North Stonington, praying 
all the way as I went, that the Lord would prepare 
the way for a successful interview. AVhen I came 
in sight of the old house, I turned aside by the 
wall and there prayed the Lord to give me strength 
and courage to do my duty faithfully, whatever 
might be the consequence. Rising from my knees 
I went directly to the door, and knocked, when I 
recognized the familiar voice of my mother, bidding 
me 6 walk in? As I entered the room, she ex- 



166 HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 

claimed, ' Why David, is it you?' embracing me 
with wonted affection. Soon she began to discover 
there was some alteration in my appearance, and 
said, ' David, w T hat is the matter with yon; are 
you sick V — 6 No, mother, I am sick of nothing but 
sin.' ' I never felt better in all my life. I've 
come home on purpose to tell you what a dear 
Saviour I have found.' This touched a chord in 
mother's soul that brought tears to her eyes, as also 
the time of her espousal to the Lord. Calling my 
sister Polly, who was in her chamber, and had not 
heard of my arrival, she continued, 4 David is 
come home, don't you want to see him ?' As soon 
as she entered the room she saw that something was 
the matter, for both mother and I w r ere in tears. 
She embraced me affectionately, while I responded, 
saying, 'Dear sister, do you love Jesus? Have 
you made your peace with God V She made no 
reply and burst into tears. Then, in the fullness of 
my soul, I exhorted her to seek salvation imme- 
diately. At this moment, in came my father, and 
two brothers, older than myself. After the usual 
salutations, my father said, 'David, I understand 
you have joined those deluded Methodists.' — 'Well, 
father,' said I, ' if they are deluded, it is a happy 
delusion.' My two brothers now joined with father, 
expressing their surprise that I should be captivated 
and led away by such a set of enthusiasts. Neither 
my father, nor any of his family, except mother, 
had ever made any pretensions to religion. They 
were all against me, so that I could not stand my 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



167 



hand to argue with them. As a last resort, I 
appealed to the Lord for an argument, and drop- 
ping on ray knees, made my appeal to the Searcher 
of hearts. How long I was on my knees, I cannot 
tell, but when I arose, it was evident that the argu- 
ment of prayer had prevailed. My father stood 
trembling like Belshazzar, and my sister and both 
my brothers were completely overwhelmed with as- 
tonishment and tears ; my dear mother sat in silent 
wonder at what had transpired. Xow, I had a fair 
field, and began to relate my conversion, and the 
importance of experiencing a similar change of 
heart. When I had finished speaking and praying 
with them, daylight began to dawn in the eastern 
sky. There stood the supper-table, which was being 
prepared when first I entered the house. There be- 
ing now a little less feeling, all that were composed 
enough gathered around the o\& family table, and 
after asking God to bless what his providential hand 
had supplied, we partook. Bidding them all good- 
by, their hearts too full for utterance, I took my 
departure for Norwich. After walking nine miles 
out and back again, with a sleepless night, I went 
to my day's work, bright as a new-made shilling. 
The next week after my return, I received a letter 
from Mr. Benjamin Hill, a young convert, just 
begining to exhort, who had heard of the visit to 
my father's house, and had gone four or five miles 
to see them, and held a meeting at their house. 
He informed me that my mother was overjoyed at 



163 HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



the change which had taken place in her family ; 
that my father was greatly changed ; that my sister 
was truly converted ; and both my brothers were 
not - far from the kingdom.' This was in the fall 
of the year 1800. In the spring of 1801, on the 
day of the annual fast, having previously sent word 
that I was coming, I set out for the place of my 
nativity, where I arrived between nine and ten 
o'clock, a. m., finding quite a number of the 
neighbors already convened. By ten o'clock, the 
house was filled to its utmost capacity, and as I had 
never attempted to hold a public meeting before, I 
was at a loss what to do ; expecting only a few par- 
ticular friends and neighbors. The first thought 
was to apologize, sing and pray with the congrega- 
tion, and let them go. But then how would that 
agree with the report which had gone abroad, that 
I was going around with ministers, holding meet- 
ings? I concluded to make an attempt, and do 
what I could. Standing up and stating that I did 
not expect to see such a collection of people; as 
they had come together — perhaps the most part 
from curiosity, to see and hear what a green hoy 
of fifteen could say about religion, rather than to 
seek the salvation of their own souls; yet I would 
try, by the help of God, to gratify them. After 
singing the hymn, ' Come, Sinners, to the Gospel 
Feast, 5 and kneeling in the midst of the company, 
and praying with a good deal of freedom, I rose 
from my knees, perceiving that quite a number 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



169 



found use for their handkerchiefs. I sang another 
hymn, 4 And must I be to Judgment brought,' and 
with little thought of the position in which I was 
placed, took an old Bible from the shelf near where 
I stood, and read these words : 4 It is appointed unto 
men once to die, but after this the judgment. 5 I 
proceeded to speak of the certainty of death — that 
we must all die ; that the great business of life was 
to prepare for death, for after this the judgment 
comes. As I became quite engaged on this awful 
subject, directing my discourse to a group of young 
people before me, a young lady rose up quickly and 
made for the door, when almost involuntarily I said, 
4 Young woman, you can't flee from the monster, 
death.' She dropped to the floor, as also another 
that started to leave. All was consternation for a 
few moments. I begged the people to compose 
themselves and be quiet ; that God would take care 
of those young ladies ; that it was the power of the 
Holy Spirit, working upon their hearts. The first 
one was carried to the door, and camphor and other 
restoratives were used, but to no visible efl'ect. Dur- 
ing all this time, I talked and prayed with those in 
the house, especially the one that last fell, who 
was crying for mercy. "When I sang those lines, 

; But drops of grief can ne'er repay 
The debt of love I owe ; 
Here Lord, I give myself away, 
'Tis all that I can do,' 

she exclaimed, 4 Tes, I do give myself to thee, 

8 



170 HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 

blessed Jesus, and if I had ten thousand souls, I 
would give them all to thee! O thou art my 
Saviour, I do love thee ! Thou hast died for me. 
I will praise Him forever. Blessed be His holy 
name.' While she was rejoicing and praising God, 
they brought in the other one, and laid her on a 
bed in a state of apparent unconsciousness. A 
physician came and examined. He said there was 
no derangement of the organs of life ; respiration 
was free and regular ; the motions of the heart and 
pulse were natural ; that from some cause not well, 
understood, the powers of volition and articulation 
were in some way suspended, as in sleep. He did 
not think there was any cause to be alarmed. Most 
of the people went away, but a few stayed to know 
the sequel. It now was evening, and the one who 
had become so happy, approached her friend, and 
began to pray over her, and talk to her about J esus. 
After some time she began to make some efforts to 
speak, faintly saying, ' I saw Jesus hanging on the 
cross. I saw the blood from his hands and feet, as 
he bowed his head and died for me, saying, " Father, 
forgive!" O, is it possible, that Jesus loves me! 
O, yes, He died for me ! O, how I love him now ! 
What shall I do to praise him ? Glory to Jesus. 5 
The night passed almost imperceptibly, and my 
mother and sister had prepared an early breakfast, 
after which, exhorting them to hold fast whereunto 
they had attained, I left for Norwich." 

We resume, at this point, the general history of 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 171 

Mr. Bentley. He was baptized in the Yantic 
River, near the New London Depot, by Rev. Peter 
Vannest, in the same year, and began the practice 
of fasting on Friday, which he continued nearly 
three years, when he was taken with the yellow 
fever,* and continued it until he was instructed by 
his physician that the habit was injurious to his 
health. After convalescence, becoming free from 
his indentures, by the abscondence of his employer, 
and being at leisure, he traveled on horse the New 
London Circuit with Rev. Nathan Emory. Believ- 
ing that he could be more useful in local than 
itinerant ministry, he commenced business as 
plumber and brass-founder in 1805. In the fall 
of this year, he married Miss Letitia Gardner, 
daughter of David Gardner, Esq., of Bozrah. She 
was an earnest Christian, an affectionate mother, 
an obliging friend, and a devoted wife. Eleven 
children lived to realize and return her undying 
love, and four died in infancy. Six of the adult 
members have passed away with the mother, while 
five remain to perpetuate the memory and virtues 
of God's highest gift to mankind, next to Jesus, a 
pious mother. 

Mr. Bentley began business with nothing but 
his hands, the respect of community, and His 
blessing " that maketh rich," yet, by honesty and 
integrity in his transactions, despite the expenses of 



* 1804. 



172 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



a numerous family, he amassed property, and has 
presented a noble instance of generosity, which 
should lead others to emulate his heaven-deposited 
charity. Chiefly by his liberality and indemnifica- 
tion, the church was built upon the Wharf Bridge, 
previous to which a large part of the expenses 
accruing from the rents of religious conventicles, 
"keeping" the preachers' horses, fuel and lights, 
was met by his unstinted charity. The Sachem 
Street, Main Street, Free, and Greenville churches 
were all early indebted largely to his contributions, 
both of money and exertions. In order to prose- 
cute the erection of the church that was lost by 
the flood, after suffering it to absorb his ready 
means, he mortgaged his house to furnish the requi- 
site deficiency, making it a security for a note of 
six hundred dollars. His name, in gold, at least, is 
inscribed on all the pillars of the above churches, 
and the memory of his munificence can hardly be 
less than " apples of gold in baskets of silver." 

In 1817, he was solicited to remove to Zanes- 
ville, Ohio, and, taking the precaution to go and 
become fully apprised of the position before con- 
cluding the agreement, he passed most of the jour- 
ney in a single team, and decided to emigrate by 
the 25th of December following. He was pre- 
vented from going by a fall from a horse, and was 
disabled for three months, the effects of which have 
never been fully removed. His peculiar experience 
in 1827 is transcribed from his own pen. " It was 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 173 

the commencement of the great ' anti-Masonic 
excitement,' which extended all over the country, 
from one end to the other, entering every circle, 
domestic, political, and religious. If any one did 
not take sides with either party, he was despised 
by both. I was a Freemason ; had passed through 
every degree of the institution from an Entered 
Apprentice to the Council, but had not met with 
the lodge since the laying of the corner-stone of 
the Sachem Street M. E. Church, not because there 
was any thing wicked in the institution, but because 
my time was required by duties to my family, the 
Church, and the salvation of my fellow-men. 
After a while, it became known that I had not 
renounced the institution, and a committee was 
appointed to wait on me, and inform me that I 
must renounce Masonry, or be renounced as a 
preacher. I wrote to them that I did not under- 
stand what they meant by ' renouncing.' If they 
meant that I must expose or divulge any secret, 
mark, or sign, I never should do it. They said 
there were no 'secrets' now, that they had been 
all revealed and published to the world. 6 Then,' 
I replied, 'I can't reveal that which is already 
exposed to public view.' So they let me alone, 
threatening to raise a mob, and pry out the corner- 
stone of the church, which the Freemasons had 
laid." 

In 1836, January 13, Mrs. Harriet C. Jewett, his 
eldest child, wife of Mr. Henry L. Jewett, died of 



174 HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 

consumption, after protracted suffering. She was 
converted at eleven years of age, and her baptism 
was somewhat characteristic. Mr, Bentley had 
invited a number of converts to his house, prepa- 
ratory to baptism, and after he had spoken with 
them, Harriet, eleven years of age, having pro- 
fessed conversion just before, said to her father, 
61 You have not said any thing to me about bap- 
tism." — " No, my child," he replied, " you were 
baptized in your childhood, and I will talk with 
you on the subject, some other time." The next 
day, when he had baptized the last candidate, and 
was coming up from the water, his daughter came 
down the bank, habited to receive the ordinance. 
Mr. Bentley addressed her, "Why, Harriet, you 
were baptized in your infancy." — " No, father," she 
returned ; " if I had been baptized in my infancy, 
I should have been satisfied. But I was old enough 
to know that I was a sinner, for I was mad when 
the minister baptized me, and wet my new dress 
with the water." The father no longer deferred 
her request, and after its performance, approaching 
the shore, he said : " Baptism is not the putting 
away of the filth of the flesh, but the answering of 
a good conscience towards God." Her faith and 
trust continued to the last moment, and when it 
was supposed that the mortal struggle was over, 
she again revived, and said : " I thought that wave 
would have landed me on the tranquil shore of 
Heaven and Immortality, but this one, I trust, will 



HISTOEY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



175 



be the last." Pressing the paternal hand, she 
breathed faintly, " Farewell ! meet me in heaven." 

October 27, 1838, his daughter, Mrs. Jane L. ; 
wife of Mr. Zalmon Booth, deceased, after she had 
expressed a willingness to depart and be with her 
sister, who had gone before to that heavenly land, 
" where the inhabitants never say they are sick." 

Mr. Bentley was called to mourn the death of 
his son, David G., May 1, 1845. He died at Kew 
Orleans, where he had gone for his health, of the 
same insidious disease which had removed his eldest 
sister, and soon invited his beloved wife, Harriet 
M., to follow. He was converted early in life, but 
fell into religious indifference until this marriage, 
when he soon became a zealous Christian, class- 
leader, and exhorter. He died in confident expec- 
tation of joining the blood-washed bands of Para- 
dise, in sight of which the graves of saints are but 
stepping-stones to the chariots of the Eternal. 

Mrs. Caroline Stowell, another daughter, was 
taken ill at Portsmouth, Virginia, and her wishes 
were instant, to be brought to the homestead and 
die there among the relatives and friends of her 
childhood. Though much reduced by sickness and 
apparently near to death, sustained by the kind- 
ness of God and the hope of reaching home, she 
was taken on board a vessel in an India-chair, made 
of cane, constructed so that it formed at pleasure a 
sort of lounge, while its back could be elevated at 
any angle. She withstood the roughness of the voy- 



17G HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 

age better than her attendants, until reaching the 
New London Light-house, when she sank rapidly. 
By telegraphing to Norwich, and speeding the 
" small steamer," she was enabled to reach this city 
5 o'clock p. m., Friday, and was carried to the 
mother she so longed to behold. She died the next 
day, about 3 o'clock p. m., after bidding all the 
family a long " farewell," and by faith in Christ was 
entered among the list of safe immortals, June 17, 
1848. 

Mr. Bentley was called to mourn the translation 
of his wife, Mrs. Letitia, October 30, 1853, after 
a short illness. Her health had been declining 
upwards of a year, but now attacked by pleuritic 
disease, she prognosticated it as her last sickness ; 
and after she had made a judicious disposition of 
her personal effects, and advised early companion- 
ship to her husband, near the last she said : " There 
is Gardner ; he has come for me. I shall be ready 
shortly," and soon slept the Christian's sleep, which 
never even dreams of sorrow. She was highly 
benevolent, kind to the poor, provident for the 
comforts of the itinerant minister, even to the sac- 
rifice of her own convenience, and faithful to God 
and her friends. Something like an hour before 
she ceased to breathe, taking Mr. Bentley by the 
hand, she said, in her fond, familiar way : u Father, 
you will be very lonely when I am gone, and now, 
1 advise you, as soon as you can bring your mind to 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



177 



the subject, to take to yourself another compan- 
ion," intimating who that one should be. 

" At the gloomy midnight hour, with mournful 
step," May 27, 1865, he followed his son, John W., 
to the city of the dead. He had died of small-pox, 
contracted while awaiting the refitment of a vessel 
which he had just brought in to New York as a 
prize, and of which he had received orders from 
the Navy Department to take command. 

Again, March 4th, of the same year, he resigned 
the remains of his daughter, Elizabeth R., to the 
peaceful quiet of Yantic Cemetery. She was the 
youngest of fifteen children, and the idolized wife 
of William H. Allen, Esq., of New York. She 
was greatly beloved and respected among her rela- 
tives and acquaintance. 

As will be remembered from the previous refer- 
ences, Mr. Bentley commenced his labors as a Local 
Preacher soon after conversion, and has continued 
in this unremunerative field until the present time. 
In 1811, and for several succeeding years, he alter- 
nated wdth the traveling ministry at the Landing 
and Bean Hill, except at such times as an exchange 
was effected with other local ministers. He also at 
this early date began to preach at the Almshouse, 
whence some of God's poor, rich in faith and celes- 
tial treasures, have been taken to the King's Palace, 
among whom may be mentioned Aunt Betsey 
Calkins and Mr. Nathan Becket, who shall repre- 
sent a goodly company that have exchanged the 

8* 



178 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



Poorhouse for Heaven, indigence for wealth, 
humility for coronation. Doubly blest shall be his 
efforts who, without pay or praise, has continued 
to serve penury in life and death, and in the 
feebleness of old age is all unconsciously provoking 
the applaudit, " Inasmuch as ye have done it unto 
one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done 
it unto me." 

The New Year's eve of 1817 was a marked 
occasion. The regular ministers having failed to 
reach the city, Mr. Bentley preached two sermons 
from, " Prepare to meet thy God," and, " The end 
of all things is at hand ; be ye therefore sober and 
w T atch unto prayer." Great solemnity and awe 
rested upon the congregation at the closing services, 
and w T hen they were invited to join in silent prayer 
in the ebbing of the old year, not one in that 
crowded assembly remained sitting, while many 
prostrated themselves on the floor, crying for mercy. 
Seven were converted in the church, and one, over- 
whelmed by sin, knelt by the roadside, and while 
prayer was offered at his instance by Mr. Jeremiah 
Griffing and others, he entered into the rest of con- 
scious pardon. 

His ministerial activity during the immediately 
succeeding years is w r orthy of especial record. On 
his tour to the West, he preached upwards of forty 
sermons. Returning, and having convalesced, he 
resumed preaching in this and contiguous towns, 
Jewett City, Preston, Gales' Ferry, Uncasville, &c, 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 179 

in all of which places his labors were attended with 
more or less awakening. 

A large number of persons have been baptized 
by him, in this and other appointments. His views 
upon the mode of its administration are liberal and 
accommodated to the conscience of the candidates. 
On May 16, 1819, he baptized eighteen in five 
different positions : First, by immersing the can- 
didate backward ; secondly, the candidate knelt in 
suitable depth of water, and was immersed forward ; 
thirdly, the baptism was performed by affusion, the 
person kneeling in the water ; fourthly, by affusion, 
the subject kneeling on the bank ; and lastly, the 
rite was administered at the altar in the usual 
manner, the same formula being used in each case. 

In fact, he seems to have shared an unusual cele- 
brity in the matter of baptism, as he was often 
invited by the regular pastors to perform this ordi- 
nance, and the record of the subsequent years is 
signal for the number whom he thus initiated into 
the church militant. To attempt a chronological 
statement of the number baptized by him, would ill 
consort with the character of this work, but the 
aggregate is not far from three hundred and forty,* 
many of whom remained faithful to their profession, 
and received funeral rites at the same hand. Two 
thousand and twenty-six personsf have been com- 
mitted, " dust to dust, ashes to ashes," by him, 

* Two hundred and six immersions, 
f Four hundred funeral discourses. 



180 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



whose services have been so memorable at the 
bridal,* the font, and the grave. Probably no 
minister in Norwich has ever attended an equal 
number of funerals, at many of which, especially in 
the rural districts, sermons were delivered, a prac- 
tice still observed in numerous portions of the 
country. His labors are redolent of such instances 
as the following, only a few of which can be given : 

"1840. — This year, Father Fuller of Lisbon, Mother Taylor of 
Jewett City, and Father Perry of Bean Hill, all died in great peace, 
whose mortal remains 1 committed to the grave." 

"1841. — In July, I was called up to Plainfield to attend the 
funeral of Rev. Hezekiah Thatcher, who was killed on the railroad 
near that place. November 10th, the funeral of our dearly beloved 
sister, Hannah Fuller, at the Landing. December 5th, similar 
mournful services for our greatly respected brother, J. 0. Hopkins, 
at the Falls." 

"1842. — Sister Harriet Allen, in the city. She was a lovely 
little woman. March 31, I was called to sympathize with our dear 
brother and sister Woodward at the Falls, in performing the last 
services over their loved little Daniel." 

" 1844. — In the city our highly esteemed and much loved sister, 
Mary Winchester. There was as much of the milk of human 
kindness flowing through her soul as in any other person that 
came within my acquaintance or observation." 

"184*7. — August 17. This day I performed the funeral obsequies 
of brother Nahum Fay. He was a good man, and died in the 
faith." 

" 1849. — October 2. Funeral of brother James J. Hyde. A Chris- 
tian of many trials. Peace to his ashes. February 10, sister 
Diantha Hopkins at the Falls. She was one of the most lovely, 
kind, and piously devoted of women. February 21, funeral solem- 



Four hundred and twenty-five marriages. 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



181 



nities of the'venerable Deacon Congdon, a little below Uncasville. I 
remember of hearing him exhort after Bishop Asbury had preached, 
at New London. He said when he was a boy, his father was a 
carpenter, and his business was to stand on the other side of the 
work, and when his father drove the nails through, he stood there 
ready to clinch them. He died full of faith, and the joy of heaven 
anticipated." 

"1851. — July 29. This day the serious duty of performing the 
sad and mournful services at the funeral of our highly esteemed 
brother, Jesse Fuller. He was the principal acting steward from 
1829, to his removal by death, a man very much respected and 
beloved by all the community, and lamented by all the church. 
He was the son of the venerable Ebenezer Fuller of Lisbon, one of 
the first Methodists in that vicinity. He experienced religion in 
1829. I baptized and took him into the church at the Falls, Sep- 
tember 27, 1829." 

" 1846. — July 12. Sister Polly Setchel, aged sixty-six years. She 
was highly esteemed and beloved." 

M 1851. — October 8. I consigned to the grave the mortal remains 
of sister Xancy Butler. She was a consistent member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church in this city for about forty years." 

" 1854 — April 20. I gave an address at the funeral of brother 
William Fletcher, one of the first Methodists at Norwich Falls ; a 
good consistent Christian, pious and peaceable in his life, resigned 
and happy in death. July 27, brother Elbridge G-. Allen. He 
was a warm-hearted Christian, and has gone to his reward in 
heaven." 

" 1855. — February 19. I was called to attend the funeral of my 
old friend, Mr. Pcussell Lamphere, at the Falls. He was the father 
of our respected brother William Lamphere. October 10, I com- 
mitted the lifeless form of Samuel, son of our highly esteemed 
brother Samuel Carter, to the last resting-place. He was a lovely 
boy. Xovember 26, I was again invited to the house of death, 
where, robed in the habiliments of the grave, lay our beloved sister, 
Anna D. Francis, where I offered prayer, and at the grave resigned 
'dust to dust,' while Rev. C. Payne preached the funeral sermon 
at the Bethel. She lived much beloved and died greatly lamented." 



182 HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



" 1857. — March 22, attended the funeral of our aged sister, 
Hannah Crawley, of the East Main Street Church, in the eighty- 
seventh year of her age. ' Blessed are the dead which die in the 
Lord.' July 3, the funeral of sister Mary Lester, aged fifty-seven 
years. She was an excellent member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church at the Falls. She was a lady of more than ordinary intel- 
lectual faculties, with a nice sense of propriety. September 11, 
sister Olive Kingsley, a worthy member of the East Main Street 
Church, aged sixty-four years. She lived a holy life, and died in 
the faith of a glorious immortality. October 23, funeral obsequies 
of widow 'Betsey G-riffing, aged eighty-five years. She was the 
wife of our lamented brother Jeremiah Griffing, the old faithful, 
untiring class-leader at the Landing." 

"I860. — On receiving tidings of the death of our venerable mother 
Yashti Clark, it was thought that some public expression of re- 
spect to her memory should be shown by the church, in appropriate 
funeral services in the sanctuary.. Sabbath, August 31, I was 
called on to give an address and offer prayer. Mother Clark died at 
Binghamton. 1ST. Y., August 27, in the ninety-eighth year of her 
age, all ripe for glory. My wife and I visited her between two and 
three weeks before her death, when we found her as near heaven 
as a mortal could be here in the flesh." 

" 1861. — September 25. "Was called up to Bean Hill to attend the 
funeral of brother Jesse Calkins, aged sixty-five, who had been a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for more than forty 
years." 

" 1863. — March 4. Sister Eunice Hebard, wife of brother George 
Hebard. She was a respected member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Free Church of this city." 

" 1864. — March 5. I attended the funeral services of sister De- 
borah B. Crandall, at Norwich Falls. She was the wife of Rev. 
Phineas Crandall. of the New England Conference, and daughter of 
the venerable Mother Cady, of blessed memory. Sister Crandall 
was some of the fruit of my early labors in Jewett City. I bap- 
tized and took her into the church June 17, 1821. Her maiden 
name was Tinkham. She was an excellent specimen of a Methodist 
preacher's wife — blessed with a good understanding, chaste, indus- 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 183 



trious, economical, affectionate, and pious — a true helpmate for a 
man in the ministry." 

M 1865. — February 26. This day I was called to mingle my tears 
of sympathy and grief with my nephew, Doctor Edwin Bentley, 
as the funeral services of his deceased wife were being performed 
at East Main Street Church. Rev. Daniel Wise of Xew York 
preached a most admirable discourse, happily adapted to the be- 
reaved husband and daughters, and all the mourning relatives, 
while the whole densely packed congregation seemed to participate 
in the general feeling of sympathy and bereavement. At the grave, 
by request, I performed the burial service, committing the body to 
the ground, 'earth to earth, ashes to ashes.' " 

" 1866. — July 31. In connection with Rev. I. Bid well and other 
ministers, participated in the funeral solemnities of sister Henri- 
etta Truman, consort of brother J. B. Truman, of this city. 
Brother Bidwell gave a most gratifying address on the occasion, 
setting forth in a clear and lucid manner the long and useful 
Christian life and peaceful death of sister Truman. She, with her 
husband, came to reside in Norwich something over forty years 
ago." 

" 1867. — January 22. This day I was called to Preston, to attend 
the funeral solemnities of our old brother, Robert Palmer, eighty- 
nine years old. Brother Palmer was a most exemplary Christian. 
He had been feeble in body for a long time. I visited him in the 
fall ; found him confined to his room, ready to depart and be with 
Christ, which, he expressed, would be far better. His earthly 
tabernacle was taken to the old city cemetery, with other mem- 
bers of the family, to remain until Gabriel's trump shall wake a 
slumbering world." 

a Our beloved Brother Griffing, our good old class-leader, 
departed this life March 13, 1825, aged fifty-four years. He 
was among the early Methodists in the Landing, although his resi- 
dence was nearly two miles up town, on the Scotland road ; yet 
he would walk down to the Landing to attend his class-meetings 
Saturday evenings, and back, and also prayer meetings, beside 
those of the Sabbath. He possessed a remarkably pleasant Chris- 
tian spirit. I sat up with him the night before his departure for 



184 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



the heavenly land. He had been a little depressed in spirit in the 
early part of his sickness, but when he came to look the dread 
monster in the face, he did not quail. While I was praying with 
him, the morning before I left, he seemed in quite an ecstasy of 
joy and glory, saying: 'Now I am ready; come, Lord Jesus.' " 

" Just six days after Brother Griffing's funeral, I was called to 
attend the funeral solemnities of our dear old mother in Israel, 
Mrs. Sarah Carew, aged eighty-six years. Mother Carew was one 
of the first class that was formed on Bean Hill. At her house I 
used to go and spend the intermission, when I went to meeting in 
the Academy. She was a lovely old lady. We always addressed 
her as 1 Mother Carew. 7 There was no place in that vicinity 
where the preachers could go and feel themselves at home as at 
1 Mother Carew's.' " 

" 1834. — January 9, I committed to the dust the mortal remains 
of our dear old sister Davison, in the sixty-third year of her age." 

" Called to deliver a discourse in the East Main Street Church, on 
the death of our venerable father in Israel, Andrew Clark, who 
died in Camdem, Oneida County, New York, July 10, 1839, aged 
about eighty years." 

" 1835. — August 10,1 performed the funeral service of sister 
Williams, consort of the late venerable Solomon Williams, of Bean 
Hill, one of the early Methodists of that place. She was seventy- 
one years old. Two years after, September 2, 1837, I performed 
like mournful services at the funeral of Father Williams also, 
aged eighty-one years." 

"March 16. — I attended the funeral services of brother Seth 
King, aged fifty-six years. Brother King was a Christian of very 
genial feelings, a great singer, and when religion did not make him 
happy enough to sing, he was quite prone to get into Doubting Cas- 
tle. But one spiritual song would generally bring him out all right." 

"July 15. — I was called to officiate at the funeral of ' Mother 
Thurber,' of Poquetanoc, eighty years old. I attended the funeral 
of her husband, Luther Thurber, twelve years before, in his 
eighty-eighth year. They were both members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church in this city. Brother Thurber made his own 
coffin a number of years before his death." 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



185 



" 1835. May 11. — This day I attended the funeral solemnities of 
Brother Clark Summers, at the Falls. Brother Summers was an 
industrious, pious, and peaceable member of the M. E. Church, 
aged forty-eight years." 

The originality and versatility of his mental 
faculties in the bygone, may be seen from an 
account of a sermon preached at a camp-meeting, 
held at Thompson, 18 IS, transcribed from his 
pen : 

"On the afternoon of Thursday, there was an unusual large con- 
gregation on the ground. The preacher appointed for that service 
being sick, the congregation became exceedingly restless, when 
Brother Hyde came to me, and said the Presiding Elder wished me 
to go on the stand, and. if possible, collect the scattered attention 
of the people. I then held a 1 Commission of the Peace'' in the 
State. I told the Presiding Elder that my mind had been so occu- 
pied with the order of the meeting that I was ill prepared for the 
occasion.-' 

11 Well, then," I replied, "If I must, you commence the services 
by singing and prayer, while I collect my thoughts and select a 
text. I retired into the grove some eight minutes, and, as the 
introductory prayer was closing, I went on to the stand and gave 
out a hymn. The meeting, thus far, had been almost surfeited 
with most excellent preaching. Brother Fish, then a young man 
just out of college, had given them a beautiful discourse on the 
'Love of God in human Redemption f Brother E. C. Taylor, on the 
i Feast of the fatted Calf;' Brother E. C.Blake, on 1 The Judgment 
of the lad Day Brother Bates, on 1 Backsliding As I stood up 
to read my text, I remarked that, when a company had been enter- 
tained at a great feast, and fed with al! the delicacies that the occa- 
sion could afford, even unto surfeiting, there would be a difficulty 
in furnishing another table with such articles as would be desira- 
ble to the taste. So with this large congregation. You have been 
served with almost every variety of gospel food, the nutritious 



186 HISTORY OF THE FKEE CHUECH. 



Lamb, and the delicacy of the fatted calf. I thought while the 
preliminary services were being performed, I would go out into the 
thick forest and catch a wild bird, called a partridge. And now 
I will try to dress it, and make you a dish of savory broth. By 
this time I had gained the attention of nearly all within hearing. 
I announced my text, Jer. xvii. 11 : 'As the partridge sitteth on eggs 
and hatcheth them not, so he that getteth riches, and not by right, 
shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be 
a fool.' I illustrated the text by the conduct of Pharaoh, getting 
riches by the unrighteous servitude of the Hebrews in Egypt, 
and his folly, exemplified in his destruction in the Red Sea. Also, 
in the case of Uaman, Absalom, Ahab, and many others of their 
time, with Herod and Judas, all who died as the '■fool dielh? As 
soon as I got through, Lorenzo Dow came running on to the stand, 
and continued to apply the subject to wicked men for about fifteen 
minutes, when penitents were called forward for prayers. They 
came from every part of the congregation, numbering from eighty 
to one hundred, and more than thirty were converted before that 
prayer meeting was dismissed." 

The value of his presence in the chamber of 
death, where he has initiated into the spiritual 
Church by baptism a number of the irrecoverably 
sick, is instanced by the following, of 1822 : 

" A lady in Poquetanoc, being sick, and having some premoni- 
tion of her approaching dissolution, sent for me to Come and visit 
her. I found her calm and considerate, a hectic flush on her 
cheek. With the utmost composure of mind, she said : 1 1 have 
been prayerfully considering my condition. I have no thought 
that I shall ever get well, and I want to be prepared to go to 
heaven when I leave this world. The last time I went to meeting 
I heard you say we must be born again, or never go to heaven. 
You explained to us how we must become new creatures in Christ, 
and here in this chamber I have tried to do as you said. I have re- 
signed myself, my husband, and my little babe, and all I have, to the 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



187 



will of my heavenly Father. I feel that he has accepted the offer- 
ing through Christ, who stood before the throne of the Father for 
me. I feel Him to be my Saviour, and He has said, 1 Whatsoever 
is bound on earth is bound in heaven.' I have sent for you to 
come and initiate me into the church, by the solemn rite of the 
baptismal vow, and to have my name enrolled with the people of 
God in the church book. After that, I desire to commemorate the 
death and sufferings of my Saviour, by partaking of the symbols of 
the broken body and shed blood of my crucified Lord, when I shall 
be ready and willing to depart and be with Christ my Lord!' I 
then asked her what day I should come and attend to those duties. 
She replied, l Now ; I may not live to see another day.' In about 
half an hour, some six or eight persons came in, while preparation 
was made for the occasion. Without any ritual. I performed the 
baptismal rite in the accustomed way by sprinkling, while it did 
appear that the Holy Ghost was manifestly present, and sealed the 
vovj. After this, I administered the Holy Eucharist, and that 
upper chamber seemed the ante-room of heaven. The lady sur- 
vived this solemn dedication some ten days, and then fell asleep in 
Jesus." 

This abbreviated account of bis life cannot be 
better concluded tban in his own language : 

"It is now more than sixty-two years since I received my first 
license to preach, although the world called my labors 'preaching ' 
two or three years before. During all those many years, I never 
have pocketed a dollar beyond my expenses of traveling to and 
from my appointments. More than half of that time I kept a 
team of my own. It may truly be said I have been the poor man's 
minister. For more than sixty-three years I have held meetings at 
the almshouse in this city, regularly once in three weeks, and, 
when sick or absent, I have supplied a substitute. During that 
length of time I have attended two hundred and three funerals at 
the almshouse. 

" I began the world with nothing but my hands. I have literally 
labored seven days in the week for fifty years. Quite a number of 



188 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



times, when I have been at work casting brass, a messenger has 
called for me to go and attend a funeral three or six miles off. 
Such calls, or something not altogether dissimilar, I have answered 
in all the towns within twenty miles of my residence. And now, 
if I can but see weeping penitents inquiring what they shall do 
to be saved, and hear them shout the praise of a sin-forgiving 
God, I think I shall feel like exclaiming, with Simeon, ' Now lettest 
Thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy 
salvation.' " 

Mrs. Betsey Bentley, the venerable consort of 
Rev. David N. Bentley, was the fourth child of 
Mr. James Rogers, of Montville, Connecticut. 
Her mother's maiden name was Miss Elizabeth 
Howard. She was born August 9, 1790. Early 
impressed with religious truth, when only thirteen 
years of age, she was deeply affected by the thought 
that she was unprepared to meet the Judge, and 
going to a Methodist meeting, where the Rev. 
Nathan Emory preached,* who was the first Meth- 
odist minister ever seen by her, she felt the load 
and burden of her sins, and could not eat nor sleep 
until the Lord had consciously forgiven her. She 
was deeply convicted, until an old gentleman from 
New London, called " Father Bolles" of precious 
memory, talked and prayed with her. He seemed 
to divine just how she felt, and mercy's door was 
opened at his prayer, the burden of sin rolled off, 
and a sense of pardoning mercy gave joy and peace. 
The next morning, all nature seemed to be praising 
God. The little clouds floating in the heavens 



* 1805. 



HISTORY OF THE FEEE CHURCH. 



189 



were full 'of glory, and, as she looked, the tall trees 
seemed to bow their heads with reverence to their 
great Creator. She says of this : " My poor heart 
had the greatest reason to rejoice and praise God, 
to think how Jesus suffered and died for me on the 
cross, to procure my salvation. Oh ! how my young 
heart overflowed with love and praise to Him, my 
Saviour. I loved him too well to keep it to myself. 
I wanted to tell it to all around/' She now became 
deeply anxious for her father and others, and it 
was not long before some were " brought into the 
kingdom." Prayer-meetings were commenced at 
her home, for, before this, the family went four 
miles to hear preaching, at a place called Quaker 
Hill, at a house known in those times by the name 
of " Aunt 'Beeca Wheeler's." This house had 
been kept for many years as a tavern, but after the 
death of Captain Wheeler, the proprietor, the spa- 
cious ball-room had become the preaching-place of 
the Methodist itinerants, in their bi-weekly rota- 
tion. " Aunt 'Becca " and her two younger sisters 
now kept the house as a place for holding Method- 
ist meetings, and entertaining the itinerant preach- 
ers. Here u Father Bolles and Father Potter," 
from Xew London, held prayer and class meetings. 
Here Mrs. Bentley first joined the class, and at 
this tender age appears to have acquired an unusual 
religious experience. Braving darkness and dis- 
tance, if not danger, these miles were traversed 
with an ease which finds few parallels to-day. 



190 HISTORY OF THE FKEE CHURCH. 



She early encountered ranch trial in trying to 
live religions before a large family, some elder and 
some younger, as she did not join them in their 
sports, but chose, rather, the place of prayer. To 
quote her : 

"I had given up all such things for Christ. I found more solid 
comfort in the service of my Saviour than in all the vain pleasures 
of the world, which now had no charms forme. Under these cir- 
cumstances, I had no one to help me in the way to heaven ; but, 
oh! that blessed Bible was a light to my feet and lamp to my path. 
I had no Sabbath-school book? nor teacher, but Jesus was my 
teacher, and the blessed Bible was my school-book, and it taught 
me, especially when I read it on my knees, to take my cross and 
follow Jesus in the way. The words of this heavenly Teacher, in 
His sermon on the mount, made a deep and lasting impression on 
my mind." 

" I used frequently to go away alone, behind a great rock, and 
pour out my childish complaints to my heavenly Father, and my 
blessed Saviour would always draw near, and bless and comfort 
me. Sometimes I would take my little brother, about eight years 
old, between daylight and dark, and go out beside a high wall, 
where a large apple-tree, with its spreading branches, covered the 
place ; there we would kneel down, right in the snow. How many 
good seasons we used to have in that place. That dear brother 
now is in Heaven with the shining ones." 

At the age of sixteen she went to New Lon- 
don upon a visit, and passed the Sabbath. There 
was a love feast in the morning, the first she 
had ever witnessed. It was almost an epoch 
in her experience, and she says : " It was a 
time of great spiritual enjoyment and satisfaction 
to my youthful soul. I went home a great deal 
stronger in the Lord than ever before." She felt 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 191 

that it was her privilege as well as duty, at all 
suitable times, to speak and pray in the meetings, 
and was greatly blessed in so doing. December 
31, 1808, she was married to Mr. William Cally- 
han, of New London, and, in January, 1809, with 
her husband, came to Norwich, where he com- 
menced business at the Landing. There were no 
Methodist meetings nearer than Norwich North, 
where frequently she attended on the Sabbath, 
until August, 1811, when Rev. J. Chaney came on 
the circuit, and formed a small class at the Land- 
ing, of which she was an original member. After 
the meeting-house on the Wharf Bridge was car- 
ried away by the flood, the distance rendered it 
inconvenient to attend evening meetings at the 
Falls, so, for more than seven years, until the East 
Main Street Church was built, prayer-meetings were 
held at her residence, on Water Street, opposite 
Norton Brothers' store. 

Twice she was brought to death's door by sick- 
ness — once for forty days. The physician gave 
her up to die, yet she felt resigned, having rather 
a " desire to depart, and be with Christ ;" and 
on that bed of languishing could say, " Give 
joy or griefs give ease or pain, take life or friends 
away." Recovering in some measure from that 
state of total prostration, she gave up house- 
keeping, and boarded with her daughter and 
son-in-law, Mr. John A. Robinson, now of New 
London. 



192 HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



In 1833 she was called, in the providence of God, 
to "undergo a very sad and grievous trial of that 
Christian grace which submits unrepiningly to the 
divine government under all circumstances, saying, 
" Thy will be done." Her only son, having made 
several voyages to different parts of the world, in 
September sailed from New York for Norfolk, Vir- 
ginia. Third day out, in a rough sea, the vessel 
pitching heavily, he went aloft, fell from the yard- 
arm, and was never seen afterwards. 

She was called to attend the remains of her first 
husband, Mr. William Callyhan, to their sepulture, 
March 20, 1852. He was converted early in life. 
After completing his apprenticeship, he came to 
Norwich in 1807, and set up as tinman, beginning 
with nothing but his hands and a few tools. With 
indefatigable industry and strict economy, he soon 
began to enlarge his business, until, at his death, he 
was possessed of considerable property. Mr. Cally- 
han was remarkably reticent in his business and social 
relations, scrupulously honest in his dealings, kind- 
hearted and generous to the poor. He was one of 
the eleven members which formed the first Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church in Norwich City, in 1811 — 
an excellent class-leader, which office he sustained 
the greater part of his life with much acceptability. 
He was not a man of many words, yet his prayers 
and exhortations were ardent and effective. As his 
physical health declined, his spiritual health seemed 
to increase unto the last. 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 193 



Having sustained the relation of widowhood for 
nearly one and a half years, Rev. David N. Bent- 
ley proffered his hand. After making it a subject 
of prayer for direction, the overtures being mutu- 
ally accepted, the connubial tie was consummated 
July 31, 1854. It was emphatically a union of 
hearts, experiences, and joys. Hymen smiles on 
few better nuptials, where " marriage is the strictest 
tie of perpetual friendship," and sweetens u even 
the loneliness of declining years." 

Amid the sick, bereaved, unfortunate, penitent, 
poor, and dying, she has moved little less than a 
ministering angel. Sorrow has eagerly sought her 
unsparing condolence ; poverty halted expectantly 
at her door ; death has lost his arrows amid her 
prayers ; despair has stolen relief from her hope- 
fulness, and penitence changed to pardon at the 
voice of her faith. 

Permit the writer to say that it has not been 
easy to elicit the data of her life. Her memory 
has been too full of gratitude at every turn to 
dwell on matters of fact. Salvation, and not chro- 
nology ; the eternal, not temporal ; heaven, not 
Norwich ; Jesus, not Betsey Bentley, has been the 
version of most conversations, undertaken with a 
view of history. 

Rev. Lorenzo Dow Bentley, son of Rev. D. N. 
Bentley and Mrs. Letitia Bentley, was born in 
Norwich, February 13, 1813. He was powerfully 
convicted of sin in the month of May after his 

9 



194 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



fourth year, and though he may not have experi- 
enced conversion, he became fond of prayer and 
loved to kneel in the sanctuary with God's people. 
He took especial delight in accompanying his 
father into the pulpit, and was early impressed that 
he should some day proclaim the Gospel. When 
about ten years of age, he began to grow ashamed 
of such matters, and imbibed the view that is so 
prevalent among worldlings, that the services of 
religion are humiliating, not elevating. At sixteen 
he became very skeptical, by witnessing a play in a 
New York theater representing u the Hypocrite." 
He says : " It seemed so real at the time that I 
shed tears; but when I began to think that the 
actor was representing a hypocrite, I concluded 
all might be such." He became confirmed in his 
infidelity by his nineteenth year, on reading the 
" Age of Reason," abstaining from religious meet- 
ings and prayer, even at funerals, his disinclination 
becoming so great that he " pitied the Evangelical 
and Romanist professors." He was convinced of 
the inspiration of the Scriptures, and consequently 
of the Christian religion, by reading an account of 
the death of General Jackson, and the scenes that 
immediately preceded it. He sought and obtained 
pardon under the labors of Elder Jabez Swan, now 
of New London, whom many shall rise up in the 
last day to call " blessed."* His conversion took 

* Mr. L. D. Bentley calls him " that mighty man of God." 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 195 

place January 8, 1816, and in a few weeks after lie 
commenced holding meetings among the " Long 
Society," of Preston, where upwards of forty asked 
prayers on one occasion. During the ensuing fall, 
he went, under direction of the Presiding Elder, 
Rev. P. W. Allen, to Manchester, in this State, to 
supply the vacancy occasioned by the decease of 
Rev. Y. Osborn. Here a revival attended his vig- 
orous labors, and more than seventy-five professed 
to pass from " death to life." Soon after, he joined 
the Providence Conference on probation, and was 
appointed to Tolland, Connecticut, where a similar 
number of conversions took place. For his labors 
at Manchester he received no stipend, and at the 
latter place only one hundred dollars. The year 
following he went to Westerly, Rhode Island, 
where he received one hundred and sixty -five dol- 
lars, and many souls. In 1819-'50 he was stationed 
at Gurleyville, Connecticut, where the work of 
God was especially glorious. Marlborough next 
claimed his labors, where, as usual, a revival blessed 
the consecrated efforts of his devotion and faith. 
At Fisherville, his pastorship was blessed to that 
feeble station, which has since greatly improved, 
and at Danielsonville, where the two succeeding 
years were passed — less smoothly, perhaps — the 
Lord still sealed his ministry. In the following 
year, he preached with great success at Warehouse 
Point, Connecticut, and, upon solicitation, was 
appointed to his native city the year after, where, 



196 HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 

amid external reverses, he saw his highest ambition 
realized in the salvation of souls. 

From Norwich he went, for two years, to Gales's 
Ferry ; thence to Wapping, Connecticut, for one 
year. In his questionable language, he says : 
" The year spent here was consumed in working 
for God, and against Buchanan, the devil, slavery, 
rum, and rebellion, and the 6 Hartford Times,' 
with an occasional shot at ' Annihilationists ' and 
Calvinism !" 

He was next at Moodus, Connecticut, and, after 
one year, was stationed for two years at Eastford, 
which appointment he filled with great acceptabil- 
ity and success. His last appointment was " Mont- 
ville and Salem," and the year after (1866), he was 
appointed Conference Missionary, and has been 
almost constantly enjoying revivals — his "beau 
ideal " of ministerial success. 

Mr. Bentley is characterized by fervor, sincerity, 
faith, a spirit of sacrifice for Christ and souls, plain- 
ness, tenderness, decision, and spirituality. His call 
to the ministry being highly satisfactory, he bor- 
rows his real support from God, and although he is 
not unappreciative of kindness on the part of others, 
extolled or defamed, his guidon for victory is 
planted by celestial hands. If Minerva and the 
Penates have not always smiled upon him, still, in 
spite of difficulties and temporary discouragements, 
he has won the respect of the impartial and pious, 
and in the event of death, can hardly fail to be 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



197 



escorted home by many whom he influenced to 
Christ and peace, who shall lighten his feet over 
the rugged steeps of mortality. 

Divine Providence has been especially manifest 
in his life. In childhood he was saved from death 
by fire ; several times in youth, from death by 
drowning ; and repeatedly he has been low with 
sickness. The appeals of his dying sister Harriet, 
and the prayers of his eldest brother, were emi- 
nently sanctified in the days of his infidelity. 
When hesitating concerning his call to the sacred 
desk, he knelt in prayer, and opened the Bible to 
these words : " Son of man, I have made thee a 
watchman unto the house of Israel ; therefore hear 
the word at my mouth, and give them warning 
from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt 
surely die, and thou givest him not warning, nor 
speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way 
to save his life ; the same wicked man shall die in 
his iniquity, but his blood will I require at thine 
hands." He promised the Holy Spirit to enter at 
once upon the active service of the ministry, if 
some one should " buy him out," and before noon 
this disposition of his property was effected. At 
Mansfield, a notorious infidel, exasperated by some 
remarks made in reference to his rum-shop, engaged 
some " lewd fellows of the baser sort to ride him on 
a rail," but their carriage broke down on the way, 
and fatally delayed the scurrilous expedition, which 
was subsequently disclosed by one of their number, 



198 HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



who was converted. The infidel died betimes, 
crying for mercy from the Jesus he had persecuted 
and His disciples whom he had abused. Mr. 
Bentley testifies to the deep gratitude he cherishes 
towards Mr. Alvin Carrier of Norwich, and Mrs. 
Mary Buck of Glastenbury, for their sympathy and 
influence with him in the struggle he had in refer- 
ence to the abandonment of successful business, and 
a comfortable life, for the limited pecuniary reim- 
bursement and labor of the itinerancy. Is it any 
wonder that after such experiences his work is 
earnest, personal, and practical ; that he " daubs 
not with untempered mortar," and aims the arrows 
of the Almighty straight at the heart of his hearers ? 
If others should employ a different dress in the 
presentation of truth, few will enjoy the conscious- 
ness of a greater devotion and more general success 
in leading souls to Christ. His sentiments are 
worthy to conclude : " The great secret of success in 
winning souls to Christ is Faith in God. Prepare 
for the work in faith ; preach and pray, and exhort 
in faith, and invite sinners to use especial means 
in faith ; and there will be a constant revival. No 
winter's cold, nor summer's heat, nor power of 
storm nor tempest, can limit the 'Holy One of 
Israel.' Nothing but unbelief and its coadjutors 
can fetter the miracle-working hands of the blessed 
Redeemer." 

Rev. Frank Wesley Bill, eldest son of Phineas 



HISTORY OF THE EE EE CHURCH. 199 

and Fanny (Gallup) Bill, was born in Grot on, Conn., 
June 4, 1820. 

He first attended school on Meeting-house Hill in 
Groton. At ten years of age, the family having 
removed to Norwich, he was employed in a cotton 
factory, where he continued two or three years. 
After this, he became an apprentice to a tailor, with 
whom he worked nearly a year and a half, but 
having become at the early age of fourteen a be- 
liever in the Christian's hope, he could not rest 
contented with any merely secular employment, 
while thousands of his fellow-men were sinking 
down to ruin. 

After many inward struggles, he resolved to 
become a minister of the Gospel. Application 
being made to Mr. Ross, to whom he was appren- 
ticed, his indentures were given up to him, and 
having obtained aid from a few friends, he entered 
the academy at Norwich, where he studied nearly 
a year. To obtain greater advantages, he packed 
his entire wardrobe and library in a pocket-hand- 
kerchief, and in company with a friend walked 
from Norwich to Wilbraham, in Massachusetts — a 
distance of some seventy-five miles by the common 
road — and became a member of the Wesleyan 
Academy at that place. During his stay there his 
father died. 

By teaching select schools at Endfield and 
Somers in Connecticut, and in Longmeadow and 



200 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 



Ludlow, Massachusetts, he was enabled to defray 
his expenses. 

He preached his first sermon in the old Me- 
thodist church at Norwich Falls, Conn., and was 
ordained to the work of the ministry August 16, 
1841. 

Having faithfully performed the labors of a 
preacher of the Gospel in the Methodist connection 
in Norwich and elsewhere, for the space of ten 
years, he was compelled in September, 1851, to 
withdraw for a year from the service. During this 
interval he traveled in Vermont and Canada, 
preaching occasionally, and contributing to news- 
papers. He was appointed October 11, 1852, to 
the charge of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 
South Fifth Street, Williamsburg, Long Island 
This charge he held nearly two years, preaching, 
with great acceptance to that people, and his labors 
seemed here to have more than a usual harvest, but 
having received an appointment from the American 
Seamen's Friend Society as chaplain to seamen at 
Callao, a port of Lima, in Peru, South America, 
he felt it to be, after much and prayerful thought, 
his duty to accept the post, his people parting with 
great reluctance from him, having greatly endeared 
himself to them during the period of his ministra- 
tion. He embarked June 20, 1854, in a steamer 
for Aspinwall, on the Isthmus, where he arrived on 
the 29th. Here he determined to remain for a 
while, at the urgent solicitation of the Rev. Mr. 



HISTORY OF THE FREE CHURCH. 201 

Rowell, who desired to pay a visit to the United 
States. This was probably a fatal mistake, as the 
season of the year — being nearly midsummer, and 
his want of experience and acclimation in a tropical 
country, sowed the seeds of those malarious fevers 
which every summer season are sure to prevail, and 
by which, a person from a temperate latitude is 
greatly endangered. He was for a time prostrated 
with a fever, yet not wholly confined, and while 
here he kept up his usual correspondence with some 
public journals of New York, his letters being 
chiefly, however, found in the New York Sun and 
the New York Times. On the 6th of October, and 
after the return of Mr. Rowell, he at once left for 
Callao. He was sick on board of the steamer, but 
able to keep about. On his arrival at Guayaquil, 
he, with two companions, went ashore and remained 
till after night-fall. He was so prostrated and ex- 
hausted by his journey, and the slow fever which 
still clung to him, that he was now seized with the 
deadly fever of the climate, and his life was the 
sacrifice. He died at Callao, October 25, 1854, 
aged thirty-four years and four and a half months. 

He married Miss Eomena Cleveland, March 14, 
1845. He had, however, three children, one of 
which is a son of uncommon promise, and is a 
student at the New York College of Medicine. 

Mr. Bill was a man of decided talent and of high 
qualifications for doing good, and in his death 
Christianity had cause to mourn. By his native 
9* 



202 



HISTORY OF THE FEEE CHURCH. 



energy he rose from humble life to a position of 
high respect and influence. He was eminently a 
self-made man. His public addresses were often 
truly eloquent and impressive. Several of his 
sermons have been printed. He was greatly be- 
loved in the circle of his acquaintance. It was a 
mysterious Providence by which he was cut down 
when just entering on what promised to be a career 
of distinguished usefulness. 



CHAPTER X. 



CONCLUSION. 

Rev. Pardon T. Kenney, the Presiding Elder 
under whose auspices this work has been committed 
to press, and under whose administration the Method- 
ist Episcopal churches of Norwich have been signally 
prosperous, was born at New Bedford, Mass., Sep- 
tember 5, 1810. Mrs. Achsah Kenney, his mother, 
was received into church fellowship holding him 
in her arms. Mr. Phineas Kenney, his father, was 
highly instrumental in the organization of the 
M. E. Church in New Bedford. Pardon, at seven 
years of age, was clearly convicted for sin, and three 
years after obtained evidence of the divine accept- 
ance through Christ. After two years, however, 
his piety declined, and remained so to his nineteenth 
year, when he was reclaimed; and immediately feel- 
ing the need of knowledge, was accustomed to study 
in the tailor's shop while he was engaged at his 
trade. At majority he commenced business for 
himself, but soon relinquished his financial plans 
and reported at the Wesleyan Academy, at "Wilbra- 
ham, Mass. He had received exhorter's license 
from Rev. R. D. Easterbrooks, preacher in charge 
of Fair Haven Circuit, May 11, 1830. The 



204 



CONCLUSION. 



Quarterly Conference of New Bedford Circuit, 
November 8, 1830, under Eev. J. A. Merrill, Pre- 
siding Elder, granted him the license of Local 
Preacher, which was renewed at "Wilbraham, May 
7, 1831, by Eev. O. Scott, and at Middletown, 
April 5, 1832, by Pev. Laban Clark. In the fall of 
the next year he entered the University at Middle- 
town, and was a member of the class embracing 
Revs. Abel Stevens, Stephen Cushing, and others. 
An asthmatic difficulty, of long standing, became 
aggravated, and compelled his departure from his 
coveted studies. On reaching home he threw down 
his hat, saying, u I'll sell myself for a sixpence." 
He told his friends he had come " home to die." 
After the lapse of several months he was sufficiently 
improved to go upon Harvard Circuit, where he 
was recommended to the New England Conference, 
which sat June, 1833, and at which he was ap- 
pointed to Thompson Circuit. At the expiration 
of six months, he was removed to Worcester, Mass., 
whence, after about three months, he was trans- 
ferred to Northbridge Circuit. He has filled the 
following appointments : 1834, Hebron Circuit ; 
1835, East Windsor Circuit; 1836, Mystic; 1837, 
Norwich North ; 1338-'39, Chicopee Falls; 1840- 
'41, Willimantic ; 1842, located, going on a mission 
to Key West, at the instance of brethren, where an 
appointment was made permanent, and taken into 
the Florida Conference ; 1844, readmitted to Provi- 
dence Conference, and stationed at Manchester ; 



CONCLUSION. 



205 



1845-'46, Mystic Bridge ; 1847, Westerly Mission ; 
1848, Falmouth; 1849, East Harwich; 1850- 51, 
Provincetown Centre; 1852- , 53~'54- 5 55, Presiding 
Elder of Sandwich District ; 1856-'57, Xorth Man- 
chester; 1858-59, Stafford Springs; 1860-61, 
New Bedford, Allen St. ; 1862- 63-^64- ? 65, Presi- 
ding* Elder of Sandwich District ; 1866, Presiding 
Elder of New London District. In the time of his 
ministry on the East Windsor Circuit, the meeting- 
house was finished at Wapping, Conn., and also at 
Hazardville. A preacher from the New York Con- 
ference, visiting AVilbraham, inquired if the people 
knew of anybody who had lost a meeting-house, as 
he had fallen in with one down in the pines, mean- 
ing the one built in Hazardville, located on a site 
from which the trees had just been removed. In 
1846, while stationed at Mystic Bridge, he visited 
Europe, passing through Great Britain, — a tour, 
on the whole, attended with great interest and satis- 
faction. 

His ministry has been attended with much success. 
His sermons are characterized by practicalness, a 
lucid, natural treatment, points, fervor, and spiritu- 
ality. 

Rev. J". Ellis Hawkins, incumbent pastor at 
Greenville M. E. Church, was born in Wrentham, 
Massachusetts, January 11, 1837, of pious parents, 
who early impressed his mind with religious truth. 
He was converted in the winter of 1856, and after 
omitting duty in a measure, he renewed his vows 



206 



CONCLUSION. 



and consecration in Cumberland, R. I. Key. Abel 
Gardner, "of precious memory," baptized and 
received him into church fellowship. Certified of 
God that a " dispensation of the Gospel was com- 
mitted" to him, after some hesitancy, and more 
trouble of mind, he threw up a lucrative business, 
and commenced to prepare for the great work of 
proclaiming Christ, by faithful study for a number 
of years. He took exhorter's license, July 24, 
1859, and the Quarterly Conference of Cumberland 
granted the license of Local Preacher, February 
16, 1862. He joined the Providence Conference 
in 1862, and was appointed to Haddam Neck two 
years, where he labored with great acceptability. 
Ordained Deacon at New London by Bishop Ames, 
in 1864, and Elder at Bristol, R. L, by Bishop 
Thomson, in 1S66, he was stationed at the Green- 
ville M. E. Church, in 1864, where his ministry 
will be deeply cherished. 

Rev. Edgar F. Clark was born in South Windsor, 
Connecticut, September 12, 1835, of pious parents, 
and converted at thirteen, under the winning min- 
istry of Rev. L. Collins. Next to home, he was 
deeply indebted to the lamented Mr. James B. 
"Wood, his first class-leader, lately deceased at 
North Manchester, Connecticut, — a layman of 
unlimited usefulness, — for encouragement and influ- 
ence in his primitive experience. He was early 
impressed that the ministry was divinely designated 
for future occupation, and a conviction of its reality 



CONCLUSION. 



207 



has done much in after time to indemnify his con- 
duct against vacillation in the questionables of 
ministerial life. License to preach was given him 
at Wapping, in a Quarterly Conference, held July 
15, 1854, Eev. B. Otheman, Presiding Elder. It 
was during the pastorate of Rev. Roger Alber- 
son, who will long be remembered by some of the 
inhabitants of " Pleasant Valley," for a matter 
that occurred in the " old school-house " of that 
locality. u Five o'clock " meetings were often held 
at that place, in which, after a sermon, the laity 
occupied, often with great power and success. On 
one occasion, Mr. Alberson had appointed such a 
meeting, but the Adventists had preoccupied the 
room, commencing, just previously to his arrival, 
with a very fluent young minister of that persua- 
sion. The minister labored, with considerable elo- 
quence, to substantiate the doctrine of the soul's 
dependence on material organization for existence 
or consciousness, and at the close of his sermon 
gave a most cordial invitation for a further consid- 
eration of the subject. Mr. Alberson arose, and, 
after apologizing to his own congregation for the 
non-fulfillment of his notice, accepted the young 
man's offer, and entered upon a very effective dis- 
cussion of the subject. The young man " labored 
hard at the oars," but his matter-of-fact opponent 
plied reason and Scripture with superior effect, 
when, as if appealing to an invincible argument, 
he informed the audience that he had been study- 



208 



CONCLUSION. 



ing the Greek Testament nearly two years, and 
only regretted that he was not provided with one 
to furnish an unanswerable answer from the Greek 
word psuche (^/t?), evidently not dreaming that a 
Greek Testament could be found in that rural 
assembly. A young man, however, with much 
sincerity, drew forth a very legible copy of the 
desired book, and, passing to the speaker, presented 
it to him for his use. An unwonted interest at 
once seized the company, and a general expectancy, 
when, to the sorrow of his friends, and the high 
enjoyment of Mr. Alberson and his co-thinkers, he 
was unable to make any use of the object he had 
provoked, and, in laying it down, under evident 
perturbation, elicited a general sensation on all 
sides. Mr. Alberson, taking it up subsequently, 
made good and lasting use of it in his explication 
and application of jpneuma (izvzoi±a) to the field of 
discussion, and often refers, in later time, to " that 
Greek Testament." 

Young Edgar, after fitting for college, in the 
academies of South Manchester and South Wind- 
sor, under indifferent health, entered the Biblical 
Institute at Concord, in the fall of 1854, from 
which, with an interruption by sickness of a year, 
he graduated in the " class of '57." During this 
time he preached but little, giving himself to con- 
tinuous study. Returning to Farmington, Con- 
necticut, whither his father had removed, he sup- 
plied the pulpit of the M. E. Church of that town 



CONCLUSION. 



209 



until the spring term of the "Wesleyan University, 
when he entered upon a collegiate course of study, 
graduating in the " class of '61." During his stay 
at Middletown he preached at Berlin, Kensington, 
Southington, Vernon Depot, and Farrnington, until 
ill health compelled a cessation of ministerial 
effort. The latter part of the Conference year, 
1861, he supplied the M. E. Church of his native 
place, where sickness had disabled Rev. Sewall 
Lamberton. Entering the Providence Conference 
in 1862, he was appointed to Norwich Main Street 
two years, then removed to Norwich Sachem Street 
three years. April 23, 1862, he married Miss Julia 
M. TVoodruff, of Farrnington, Connecticut. 

In the Annual Conference of 1863, he was ques- 
tioned as to his orthodoxy, particular reference 
being had as to the doctrine of hell and sympathy 
among celestial beings, God included. His particu- 
lar views on hell, as excepted to, are expressed in 
the language of Mr. Watson, the great defender 
and expositor of Methodism. " In the Hebrew 
Scriptures, the word sJieol frequently occurs, and 
uniformly," he thinks, " denotes the state of the 
dead in general, without regard to the virtuous or 
vicious characters of the persons, their happiness 
or misery/' " The confusion that has arisen on this 
subject lias been occasioned, not only by our Eng- 
lish translators having rendered the Hebrew word 
sheol, and the Greek word gehenn a, frequently by 
the term hell, but the Greek word hades, which 



210 



CONCLUSION. 



occurs eleven times in the New Testament, is, in 
every instance except one, translated by the same 
English word, which it ought never to have been." 
(Dictionary, p. 445.) His view of celestial sympa- 
thy, as instanced in Divinity, may be given in the 
language of the same writer. " The Scriptures 
nowhere warrant us to consider God as a cold, 
metaphysical abstraction. * * They teach us to 
consider them as answering substantially, though 
not circumstantially, to the innocent affections of 
men and angels. * * The ground of * * 
all imitation of God in his mercy and compassion, 
is laid in every part of the Word of God," &c. 
(Institutes, vol. i. pp. 392, 396.) 

At two successive conferences questions were 
formally presented to him, touching theological 
matters, but in no case condemning his views. 

Methodism in Norwich has done much more than 
her ecclesiastical records betoken. In consonance 
with the rest of New England, many of her tenets 
are practically adopted outside of her pale, and 
Arminian and Calvinistic presentations of Christ 
are so nearly harmonized, that a metropolitan con- 
vention or general conference is required to array 
the distinctives. Calvinism has invested Jehovah 
with autocracy and dignity, Methodism has intro- 
duced Christ to human receptivity and experience ; 
Calvinism has crowned Him Lord over all, Method- 
ism has cast up a highway to and f rom the Divin- 
ity ; the former has intensified the reverential, the 



CONCLUSION. 



211 



latter has cultivated the fiducial ; one elevates God, 
the other man ; and both have been sine qua no?is in 
the religious progress of humanity. Methodism 
was never more credible, and credited ; Calvinism 
was never more liberal and practical. In one 
respect, at least, the former should learn of the 
latter, in this city. In the latter, wealth and influ- 
ence serve in the activities of the Church. It is 
honorable for honor to honor Christ, and few 
instances will be found comparable to the example 
of our devoted ex-Governor Buckingham, who 
advances upwards from the highest chair of State 
to the altar of penitents and prayer, and there, by 
unconscious acts of sympathy and personal interest, 
wins for himself not only the laurels of earth, but 
of heaven. The pen refuses to ignore the illustra- 
tion borrowed from the late war, without his 
knowledge or consent. Just preceding the depar- 
ture of a colonel, with his regiment, for the battle- 
fields of Southern territory, in conversation, the 
ex-Governor took occasion to impress upon the 
colonel the need of Christ. So affected was the 
officer by the earnestness and fidelity of his honored 
acquaintance, that he commenced to seek divine 
pardon, and, finding the Saviour, went forth to die 
under the clouds of battle, without a moment's 
warning of the lightning shaft that transmitted 
him from duty to reward. Such examples should 
be contagious. Let Methodism in this city respect 
herself, as she is practically respected by others ; 



212 



CONCLUSION. 



let her wealth and talent remember that the soul is 
the standpoint of the divine enterprise, and should 
be of the human ; let her social means of grace be 
attended by all ; let her financials be under system ; 
let piety be the coveted goal of her ambition, and 
the reed of history shall, at some future time, com- 
mit to faithful record the oncoming triumphs of 
one of the most illustrous cohorts of God's militant 
army. 



APPENDIX. 



t 



APPENDIX A. 



The following tables will be found invaluable for reference. 
They contain the appointments of the ministry in Connecticut 
from the first, until 1800. This is followed by the appoint- 
ments of New London Circuit from that time until Xorwich 
Circuit was formed, which is continued until the several 
Methodist Episcopal churches of the city are constituted. 
Facts interesting for reference and comparison are supple- 
mented. 



Circuit. 




1TS9 
1790 



1793 



Stamford .. . 
Fairfield ... 
Xew Haven. 
Hartford . . . 

Fairfield . . . 
: Hartford . . . 
Middlefield. 
iLitchfield . . 



Freeborn Garrettson.; Jesse Lee. 

Jesse Lee | John Bloodgood . 

" I John Lee 

N. B. Mills 

\ N. B. Mills 

■ \ A. Hunt 

i M. Bainor 

J Lemuel Smith. . 

j John Allen 

; ) G. Eoberts 

j Matthias Swain. 
, { James Cove! . . . 
! j Joshua Taylor.. 
I J Smith Weeks. . . 



1792 Fairfield ... Jacob Brush 



114 



17 

28 
62 
130 
220 



216 



APPENDIX A. 



Circuit. 



Elder or 
Presiding Elder. 



Ministry. 



1792 



1793 



1794 



1795 



1796 



Hartford . . . 

Middle town. 

Litchfield . . 

Fairfield. . . . 

Hartford . . . 

Middletown. 

Litchfield . . 
Tolland .... 

NewLondon 

Fairfield . . . 
Middletown 
Litchfield . . 
Tolland .... 

N. London . 

Middletown. 
Litchfield . 

Tolland 

N. London . 

Pomfret 

Redding ... 
Middletown. 
Litchfield . . 
Tolland .... 
N. London.. 
Pomfret.... 



Jacob Brush . 



Thomas Ware 
Geo. Roberts 



Jesse Lee 



Geo. Roberts 

j F. Garrettson 
( S. Hutchinson 



( H. Hull 

1 G. Roberts 

( F. Aid ridge 

j R. Swain 

j A. Hunt 

j P. Wager 

1 J. Coleman 

J A. Hunt 

( J. Coleman 

S G. Pickering 

j J. Hall 

j J. Taylor 

( B. Fisher 

j L. Smith 

I D. Ostrander .... 

J. Lovell 

( G. Roberts 

< R. Swain 

( F. Aldridge 

J Z. Kankey 

t N. Snethen 

j M. Rain or 

( D. Ostrander 

j F. Aldridge 

I James Covell 

i L. Smith 

) G. Pickering 

f W. Lee 

J D. Abbott 

j Z. Priest 

LE. Mudge 

\ Evan Rogers 

I L. Ketch um 

j J. Stoneman 

1 J. Mitchell 

) C Spry 

| N. Snethen 

j A. G. Thompson. 

I L. McCombs 

j D. Ostrander . ... 

( N. Chapin 

j D. Dennis 

I T. Dewey 

j J. Taylor 

I L. McCombs 

J D. Dennis....... 

/ W. Budd 

j E. Rogers 

( T. Coope 

j N. Chapin 

( T. Merritt 

j J. Ketchum 

"j D. Brumly 



APPENDIX A. 



217 



ClPwCUIT. 



Eldes or 
Peesidln-g Elder. 



Mintstsy. 



1797 MiddietoTrn. " 

Litchfield .. 11 

Tolland ....| 

N. London . u 

Pom fret ! B 

Redding ' " 

1795 Middletown. S. Hutchinson . 

Litchfield . . K 

Redding " 

'Tolland' S. Bostwick , 

N. London.. " 

Pomfret " 

1799 Middletown. S. Hutchinson . 
] Litchfield .. 
Bedding.... " 
Tolland S. Bostwick . . . 

\N. London.. " 

Pomfret.... - 

1500 Middletown. F. Garrettson . 

Litchfield ..I " 
• Redding ... " 
Tolland .... J. Brodhead . . 

X. London . u 
Pomfret i 41 



| E. Woolsey. . . 
) R. Leeds . . ... . 

\ M. Coate 

| P. Javne 

i E. Can field . .. 
"( W. Thatcher.. 

L, McGombs.. 
( S. Bostwick . . 
1 J. Xichols 

s S. Hull 

"/ J. Crawford . . 
( A. Jocelyn . . . 
\ D. Buck. 

A. Jocelyn . . 
\ E. Stevens . . . 
'/ T. Bishop .... 
' W. Thatcher.. 

L. McCombs. . 

i X. Chapin 

{ S. Lamb 

i D. Ostrander . 
'( A. Heath 

E. Stevens 

A. Jocelyn . . , 

D. Brown 

D. Ostrander , 
i L. McCombs. . 

"/ A. Wood 

' W. Thatchi-r . 
| J. Coleman . . . 

"f R. Searle 

\ A. Hunt 

"/ E. Batchelor. . 

A. Jocelvn . . . 

A. Wood* 

i D. Brumly . . . 
j A. McLane . . . 

D. Ostrander . 













< 




p 


142 


1050 


155 




230 




197 




219 


179 


191 1201 


2 2 7 




266 




262 
217 




815 




165 


1455 


222 




301 
.To 
221 




810 


167 


1497 


256 




315 




227 

246 


335 




182 


1571 



At this date we take up Xew London Circuit, which has 
the following data. As will be seen, it was often united to 
other Circuits, and variable in territory. 
10 



218 



APPENDIX A. 



Tear. 



Ministry. 



Presiding Elder 



1S01.. 

1302.. 
1803.. 
1804.. 
1805.. 
1806.. 
1807.. 
1308.. 
1309.. 

1810.. 

1311.. 

1312.. 

1313.. 

1314.. 

1315.. 

1316.. 

5817.. 

1818*. 

1819.. 

1820.. 
1821.. 



2T. London and 
Pomfret milted. 
1 P. Vannest 

P. Peck 

J. Annis 



Coate 

Hunt 

Nichols 

. Pickett . . . 

Wood 

Hill 

Emory 

Branch 

Washburn 
It. Norris . . 

Perry 

Smith 

R. Norris . . 

Bonney 

Streeter . . . 
Lindsey. . . . 

Winch 

Marble .... 
Stebbins. . . 
Ohaney .... 

3abi a 

Lewis 

Banister . . 
Bowzer. . . . 

Steel 

Marsh 

Dane 

Osborn 

Streeter . . . 

Paine 

Blake 

Dorchester 

Blake 

McKee 

Hyde 

Stewart 

Hyde 

McKee 

Bates 

Bennett . . . 
Bates 



I. Brodhead . . 
Dr. Ostrander 

ii 

T. Branch.... 
E. E. Sabin... 

E. Hedding.... 
J. Winch... . 

Asa Kent 

E. Otis 



In 1822, Norwich Circuit was formed, the statistics of 
which are subjoined in the following Table. 



* New London was made a station this year, the name of the Circuit contin- 
uing unchanged. 



APPENDIX A. 219 







j m 

. s . . . c 

i : Nil 




II 


HI I 1 li 


432 Norwich a 

490 
561 

198 Norwich. 

252 

24T 

80 

167 

78 

280 Falls and ] 




er. | Ministry. 


:|l§ c : |fl : L : «;il 

maim 


:::::::::: >^ : : : : 
:::::: r: : : Si:!! 

; i i W j ; i ; is* WW 




i 


J. A. Merrill 

E. Hyde 


S <J CO J P 

h5 d p 


Circuit or Station. 


WnKwtali on/1 AT T.nmlnn 


u 





s ||i i i s i i Hill i | I 



220 



APPENDIX A. 



5? £ 

5 s 



1-1 n< cwr-iTfioff>(Moo-)< 



^ 'Ji 3 O C3 C 

w Ph^=-< 



fei W ft £ £ 



rt< O CO iMCTjCffOiWC^ 
CO ri (Nth ri r-i <M t-I 



ill ? Q £ 

Q C « * 

3 « ■ S "S5SM 



5 J 



<1 



fee § 

^ ^ £ ^ £ »-J £ >-3 Z r-i £ faJ £ fe^O^OZ^ h3 



APPENDIX A. 



221 







































1 

1 
















=• 

1 

1 
I 

o 






'saauxoix 




























































j 










1 

! 




1 
1 






•su:-iaKH]\; 






> 
7. 


I 


1 

id S 

63 


J 

= 
- 


- 

1 


ss 

II 

Si 


j 

- 


1 

— 




- 


1 

> 

— 


*- 




c 
_ 


1 

> 

i 


j 

< 


c 

I 


! 

- 




j 


Ill 




i 



I g 



! 

I'iUl NJin^iiiliUijiillii 

Ilil JlilJIiiJlilililiiiliiiJ 



i, 



5 ; ; 

in 



i i ii 



i i i 



222 



APPENDIX 




APPENDIX A. 



223 




224 



APPENDIX A. 



CO CM Ttl 



(M O CO CJ5 O 1-1 

CO -># 00 t— o o t— 



: p 



S -g ^ -5 -B •-;c3 cC >'n * P 



APPENDIX A. 



225 



The Conference at which Kev. Jesse Lee was appointed to 
Stamford Circuit was held at New York, May 28 (?), 1789, 
and forms the epoch of the Methodist economy in New Eng- 
land. Bishop Asbury was present. The ensuing Conference 
at New York was held on Monday, October 4, 1790, which 
Lee attended, and asked additional colleagues for the ministry 
of New England, in which petition he was not altogether 
unsuccessful. The same Bishop presided. It should be stated 
that the primitive "New England Conference,'' in 1796, 
included "that part of the State of New York which lies on 
the east side of the Hudson River," and all New England, 
under the proviso, "that if the Bishops see it necessary, a 
Conference may be held in the Province of Maine." In 1800, 
this Conference was changed so as to include unconditionally 
the District of Maine, and the circuits east and north of the 
New York Conference, which was changed so as to compass 
"all that part of the State of New York east of the Hudson 
River, all Connecticut, and those parts of Massachusetts, New 
Hampshire, and Vermont which are included in the New 
York and New London Districts." In 1804, it was made to 
include the Maine, Boston, New London, and Vermont Dis- 
tricts. The Conference in 1812 embraced that part of Ver- 
mont east of the Green Mountains, and all the New England 
States east of the Connecticut River. All of Lower Canada 
east of Lake Magog was supplemented in 1816. In 1824, the 
Maine Conference was instituted, and the New England 
included all New Hampshire west of the White Hills, that 
part of Vermont east of the Green Mountains, Rhode Island, 
and all Massachusetts and Connecticut east of Connecticut 
River. In 1832, it included that part of Massachusetts lying 
between the Green Mountains and the Merrimac River, Rhode 
Island, and that part of Connecticut east of Connecticut 
River. 

The first Conference appointed for New England was to 
be held in Connecticut, July 23, but the Conference proba- 
10* 



226 



APPENDIX A. 



bly never sat, as the appointments for 1791 were made at 
New York, May 26, of that year. The first Conference in 
New England was held at Lynn, August 3, 1792, in which 
eight preachers were present. 

The succeeding year saw two Eastern Conferences ; one at 
Lynn, August 1, and the other at Tolland, Connecticut, 
August 11. In all these Ashury presided, as well as the 
two following, which were held in 1791:; the first at Lynn, 
July 25 ; the second at Wilbrabara, September 4. The 
successive Conferences of ISTew England were held, New 
London, July 15, 1795, in the house of Daniel Burrows, Esq. ; 
Thompson, September 19, 1793, at Captain Jonathan Nich- 
ols, over which the same Bishop presided. In 1796, the 
"New England" Conference was defined, and held sessions 
as follows: at Wilbraham, September 19, 1797, over which 
Lee presided, at the request of Asbury ; two sessions in 1798, 
one at Readfield, Maine. August 29, the other at Granville, 
Massachusetts, September 19, Asbury presiding; at New 
York, June 19, 1799; and at Lynn, July 18, 1800. Con- 
necticut was included in New York Conference from 1801 to 
1803, inclusive, whose sessions for this period were, accord- 
ing to the minutes: at Xew York, June 16, 1801, June 1, 
1802, and at Ashgrove, July 1, 1803. In 1804, Xew London 
Circuit was re-included in the New England Conference, 
whose sessions, resuming from 1800, are given in the follow- 
ing table, as per minutes : — 




Lynn July IT, 1S01. 

Monmouth, Me...i *■ 1, 1302. 
Bo?ton Th. in June, 1303. 



Buxton, Me July 15. 1804 

Lvnn " 12. 1805. 

Canaan, X. II June 12, 1806. 

Boston " 2, 1S0T. 

New London (April 17, 1808. 



Monmouth June 15, 1809. 

Winchester, N. II. j - 6. 1S10. 

Barnard, Vt ' " 20,1811. 

Lvnn i4 20, 1812. 

Xew London | " 20,181:3. 

Durham, Me " 2,1814. 

Unity, ]S T . H | M 1, 1815. 

Bristol 1 " 22,1816. 



APPENDIX A. 



227 




Concord, X. H May 

Hallo well, Me JJune 

Lynn 

Nantucket 
Barre, Vt. . 
Bath. Me.. 
Providence 
Barnard . . . 
Cambridge 
Wilbraham 

Lisbon, N. H " 6, 

Lynn July 23 



1817. 
1818. 
1819. 
1S20. 
1821. 
1322. 
1823. 
1824 
1S25. 
1826. 
1327. 
1S23. 



Portsmouth, N. II . 

New Bedford 

Springfield 

Providence 

Boston 

Webster 

Lynn 

Springfield 

Nantucket 

Boston 

Lynn 

Lowell 



June 10, 
May 2 

" IS, 
June 27, 
June 5, 
4, 



July 13, 
June 7, 
" 6, 



1329. 
1830. 
1831. 
1332, 
1333. 
1834. 
1S35. 
1336. 
1337. 
1833. 
1S39. 
1310. 



Providence Conference was formed in 1840, and included 
that part of Connecticut east of Connecticut River, Rhode 
Island, and that part of " Massachusetts lying southeast of a 
line drawn from the northeast corner of the State of Rhode 
Island to the mouth of jSTeponset River," including Walpole 
Station. Its Sessions, &c, are given for reference: — 



Time. 



June 9, 



July 
April 



» 14, 
" 18, 
5, 

" 4, 
2, 
1, 

March 30. 
" 29, 
" 23, 

April 3, 
2. 

March 27. 
* 23, 
" 22, 
" 21, 



1341. 

1842 

1843. 

1844. 

1845. 

1846. 

1847. 

1843. 

1849. 

1350. 

1851 . 

1852. 

1853. 

1854. 

1855. 

1S56. 

1857. 

1853. 

1859. 

1860. 

1861. 

1362. 

1863 

1864. 

1365. 

1866. 



Place. 



. ! Providence, R. I.. 
. Nantucket. Mass. . 

.i Warren. R. 1 

. Newport, R. I 

. : New Bedford, Z\Ias: 

. Norwich, Conn 

. Fall River, Mass. . 
. New London, Conn. . 
. Provincetown, Mass, 
. Providence, E. I.. . 

. I Warren, R. I 

. ! Norwich, Conn 

. | New Bedford, Mass 
. ;Edgartown, Mass. 
. Newport, R. I... 
.! Providence, R. I. 

. | Bristol, E. 1 

. I Norwich, Conn.. . 
. Fall River, Mass... 
. New Bedford. Mass 

. Providence, E. I 

.'Provincetown, Mass 

. i Warren, E. I 

. New London, Conn 
. New Bedford, Mass 
. Bristol, E. I 



Bishop. 



. I Heading 

. Waugh 

. Hedding and Morris. 
. Hedding and Janes . 

. Waugh 

. ! Waugh 

Hedding 

Hedding 

Ham line 

Morris 

Janes 

Waugh 

Janes 



Baker 

Janes 

Baker 

Janes 

Scott 

Ames 

Morris 

Simpson . . . 

Baker 

Janes 

Ames 

Simpson . . 
Thompson 



228 



APPENDIX A. 



DELEGATES TO THE GENERAL CONFERENCE. 

1844, New York, K Y. 

Delegates. — John Lovejoy, Frederick Upham, Sanford Ben- 
toD, Paul Townsend. 

Reserves. — Abel Stevens, Isaac Bonney. 

1848, Pittsburg, Penis'. 

Delegates. — Abel Stevens, Isaac Bonney, David Patten, 
Ralph. W. Allen, Warren Emerson. 

Reserves. — Bartholomew Otheman, John W. Case. 

1852, Boston, Mass. 

Delegates. — Daniel Webb, Abel Stevens, David Patten, 
Erastus Benton, William T. Harlow, Daniel Wise. 
Reserves. — Robert Allyn, Bartholomew Otheman. 

1856, Indianapolis, Ind. 

Delegates. — Abel Stevens, Samuel W. Coggeshall, Daniel 
Wise, Pardon T. Kenney, Elisha B. Bradford, George M. 
Carpenter. 

Reserves. — William Livesey, David Patten, James D. Butler. 

1860, Buffalo, N. Y. 

Delegates. — Daniel Wise, Paul Townsend, Samuel C. 
Brown, Sidney Dean, George M. Carpenter. 
Reserves. — Charles K. True, Frederick LTpham. 

1864, Philadelphia, Penn. 

Delegates. — Daniel Wise, Samuel C. Brown, William H. 
Richards, David Patten. 

Reserves. — George W. Brewster, George M. Carpenter. 



APPENDIX A. 



229 



DEATHS. 



Born. 



Entered 

the 
Ministry 



1799. 

Mav 4,1804. 
Au«r. 1, 1S04. 
March. 1313. 
Oct. 14. 1790. 
April 7. 1S06. 
Aus. 17. 1S19. 
May 25,1811. 

1818. 

Jan. 25.1790. 
Sept. 26,1782. 

1S20. 

June 20. 1811. 
Feb. 4,1811. 

1S22. 
29, 1787 
1S19, 
7, 1790, 
9. 1780. 
12, 1S07, 
1S15. 
Sept. 30, 1791 
1802. 
3. 1799. 
9.1807. 
1, 1782. 
20. 1780. 
13, 1803 



1823. 
1S35. 



Names. 



1836. 
L1813. 
jlS26. 
1845. 
'1843. 
1S42 



Caleb D. Rogers 
Reuben Bowen . 

Joel Knight 

Otis Wilder .... 
Charles C. Barns 
Tan Rensselaer Osbor 
Isaac Sabin House 
George S. Judd . . . 
John F. Blanchard 
Dixon Stebbins. 



Dec. 

Dec. 
May 
July 
Mar. 



Oct. 
July 
May 
Mar. 
Feb. 



1S16 Daniel Dorchester 

i 1 SOS ! Isaac Bonnev 

11842 ;Levi Dagiretl 

1>34 ! Richard Livesey. . 

1S48 jThomas D. Blake . 

|lS50 Charles S. Hazard. 

1511 Daniel Fillmore 

1S47 iJohn B. Hunt. 

1816 'Moses Fifield. . 

1802 'Asa Kent 

1S30 Sanford Benton 

1842... Abel Gardner.. 

1815 iNathan Paine. 

1831 Asa U. Swinerton 

1823 Henry Mayo. . . 

1>26 jLemuel Harlow 

1S10 Francis Dane. . 

1804 Lewis Bates... 

1 833 ; Moses Chase . . . 



Died. 



Aged 



Mar. 14. 
June 28, 
Au£T. 13. 
Sept. 13, 
Nov. 29, 
Nov. 29, 
July 7, 
Oct. 19, 
Aug. 
Sept. 27. 
Aug. 6, 
Sept. 16. 
April IS. 
Sept. 23, 
June 26, 
July 27. 
Aug. 13, 



April 19, 
Sept. 1, 
Mar. 12, 
May 21, 
Sept. 9, 
Oct. 12. 
Jan. 21, 
April 16, 
Oct. 16, 
Mar. 24, 
Jan. 7. 



1843. 
1843. 
1843. 
1844. 
1846. 
1846. 
1S47. 
1847. 
1851. 
1853 
1854. 
1S55. 
1S57. 
1S57. 
1858, 
1S5S. 
1858, 
1S5S, 
1859, 
I860 
1S62 
1863 
1863 
1863 
1863 
1864 
1864, 
1865, 
1S66, 



Tears in 

the 
Ministry. 



43 


20 




8 


39 




40 




33 


10 


56 


33 


41 


21 


28 


2 


40 




35 


11 


64 


3S 


73 




37 


15 


45 


33 


46 


10 


35 


8 


70 


47 


33 


11 


69 


43 


80 


58 


55 


33 


4S 


21 


72 


48 


61 


32 


71 


40 


56 


38 


82 


54 


85 


61 


62 


32 



230 



APPENDIX A. 



GO 



O 

HH 

H 
<j 

1 — i 
Ph 

o 

H 

HH 

O 



O 
P4 
P 

o 



w 

H 

o 

GO 

HH 

O 
>— < 

HH 
GO 
HH 

PP 




§2 "p J 5 1 ~. i * 1 




Balti 


Balti 


Balti 


Balti 


Balti 




Phili 


3 


CO 


o 

CM 


o 

04 


H 1 


»o 


CO 


C5 


CM 



*3 ^2 m 



lroe 




o 










c 








w 


© 

fcX! 
© 




© 


illiam ] 


© 

O 




ci 


© 


o 
& 








Ph 


© 



£ 6 



232 



APPENDIX A. 



Ministers transferred from Providence Conference. 


Allyn, R. 


Osgood, A. M. 


Bagnal, W. R. 


Paine, C. H. 


Beal, S. H. 


Philbrook, N. P. 


Bemis, N. 


Pool, G. F. 


Bidwell, I. J. 


Sargeant, A. D. 


Bridge, J. D. 


Scott, E. 


Carroll, J. M. 


Sewall, C. H. 


Chadbourne, G. S. 


Sleeper, T. D. 


Chapmond, J. A. M. 


Stevens, Abel 


Fisk, F. 


Studley, W. S. 


Hatfield, R. U. 


Teft, B. F. 


Leslie, D. 


Trafton, M. 


McCarthy, J. H. 


True, C. K. 


MeKeown, A. 


Upham, S. F. 


Merrill, A. D. 


Weeks, J. B. 


Noble, C. 


Whedon, D. D. 



Nearly one-half of the above entered New England Con- 
ference. One hundred and forty-one have joined in full con- 
nection; fifty-eight "locations" have taken place; and nine 
have " withdrawn." 



APPENDIX B. 



In the year 1800, the following was published without 
signature. It is believed to have been the production of Dr. 
William P. Turner. 

A Key to unlock Methodism, or Academical Hubbub, containing 
some remarks on Fanaticism, together with an Account of the 
Proceedings of the Sect called Methodists, at a Quarterly 
Meeting lately held by them in the City of Norwich. 

" Whate'er Men speak by this new light, 
Still they are sure to be in th" right 
'Tis a dark Lanthorn of the spirit, 
Which none see by but those that bear it ; 
A light that falls down from on high, 
For spiritual trades to cozen by. 
This light inspires and plays upon 
The nose of saint, like Bagpipe drone : 
And speaks thro' hollow empty soul, 
As thro ! a trunk or whisp'ring hole: 
Such language as no mortal ear, 
But Methodists themselves, can hear!" 1 

Xorivich: Printed for the Author, 1S00. 



DEDICATION. 

To the Public in general, and in particular to the Methodist 
Churches throughout this State, this Pamphlet is most respectfully- 
inscribed, by their most humble servant the Author. 



234 



APPENDIX 13. 



X an age enlightened like this, and in a country where 



JL religions freedom prevails, every person is at liberty to 
write or speak his own sentiments, as it respects his own 
belief or that of anothers ! ISTo apology however do we deem 
necessary to be made on account of the remarks contained 
in the present Pamphlet. — To strip off the garb of the false 
deceiver, and tear away the cloak of the vile hypocrite, is 
but a duty we owe to ourselves and that of posterity. The 
freedom we have taken in order to effect this, may displease 
some, but is no objection in fact to the justness of the cause 
in which we are engaged. 

The Sect whom we are now about to make some remarks 
on, stiled Methodists, are extremely fond of methodizing, and 
full of their firstlys and secondlys. — We shall be excused 
therefore when we adopt the same method in the following 
Pamphlet. Eeligion being wholly out of the question, as it 
relates to the conduct of those people in their worship, is 
foreign to our subject and design, we shall 

1st. Make some brief remarks on Fanaticism, or describe 
in general terms the Fanatic. 

2d. Shall endeavour to trace the Methodists from their 
first appearance in this Town, down to the present day. 

8dly. Shall give a candid, honest, fair, and impartial ac- 
count of their proceedings at a late quarterly Meeting, held 
in this City. 

And then conclude our Pamphlet with those reflections, 
which may naturally arise out of the subject, or to adopt 
their own Phraseology " as the Lord may give light and 
liberty." 

Fanaticism is a pretended belief in immediate inspiration ; 
and a Fanatic one who pretends to revelations, from God. — 
How far this character will apply to the Methodists, their 
actions and conduct will best determine. Methodism took 
its name from Mr. John Wesley, in England, who was the 




APPENDIX B. 



235 



first founder of their Sect, and who all the Preachers of this 
country are proud to claim as their Head. 

He formed them into different Bands or Societies, and 
adopted a certain method to be observed in all their religious 
performances, such as going from house to house, praying, 
preaching, and exhorting each other, visiting the sick, &c, 
&c. which they strictly observed, and hence they were called 
by the name of Methodists : and this is the practice they 
have adopted in their progress thro these States. Mr. Wesley 
was himself a sincere and a pious Man, and a great opposer 
and enemy to Fanaticism of any kind. He recommended to 
all the Preachers of that order to avoid all kinds of gestures 
and tones in their public discourses, and to pray not more 
than five minutes to the extent, at any time. — He was often 
a witness to their rant and misguided Zeal, and as often 
sharply reproved them for the same! "You will run on" 
says this Pious Saint, when he had once collected them 
together, " and harangue an Audience with your wild decla- 
mations, hour after hour, when there is not one out of ten of 
you that can hold an argument for the space of five minutes/' 
Thus did this holy man of God bear his testimony against 
Enthusiasm, and the misguided mad Zeal of his own Fol- 
lowers ! 

The Methodists bespeak themselves to be Fanaticks in 
almost every thing about them. Their gestures are peculiar 
to themselves ; their singularities in their dress, is wholly 
ludicrous ; a Methodist woman may be descried by her Bon- 
net, as far almost as you can eye her. — The preachers with 
their strait hair hanging down their backs, and sad despond- 
ing countenances, have the appearance of, and look like so 
many Culprits, bound for the gallows, more than like any 
thing else; you can but seldom see a smile, on their faces, 
but one perpetual gloom hangs on their brow ! Many of the 
Preachers have exhausted their strength, by repeated hallo- 
ings, smiting with their hands and pounding with their fists 



236 



APPENDIX B. 



on their pulpits ; till they are reduced some of them in con- 
sequence to ineer shadows, and resemble walking ghosts 
more than men ; what is Fanaticism if this be not? They 
may pretend, to be invested with a supernatural power, and 
filled with the spirit of God, such operations are seldom 
ascribed to any other source, "take care" say they, when 
they are reasoned with "how and what you say lest you 
fight against God;" this is their dernier resort, but you had 
as good reason w r ith a Brute, or spend your breath on the 
air, as to talk about religion and the things of God with a 
ranting, roaring Methodist ! The world is filled with Fanati- 
cism ; we hear much from them about reformations, convic- 
tions, conversions and what not. The people are frighted, 
and then become proselytes to a religion, which is made up 
wholly of fable and imposture. The observing mind will 
readily perceive that their church, is made up of the most 
weak, unlearned ignorant and base part of mankind. They 
work on the passions of these sort of people ; they know 
well it is of that class, and that only, they shall gain any 
over to their pretended Dogmas, and derive any support ; 
and their craft is to get a living. We know it is said, by 
them that this is not their object! "It is not money say 
they that we are seeking, we are allowed but a few shillings 
or pounds per year, for all our labours in the Lord." Grant 
it, but they are not more industrious than other people, we 
never as yet heard of their doing much labor, they are not 
fond of work, they are uniformly lazy and idle, they live 
upon their people, and they know that their hearts and 
houses are both open to receive them. 

Fanaticism is of various kinds and produces opposite 
effects, but it ought always to be discountenanced; some are 
moaping and melancholy, and seek a retirement from the 
world, others are thereby completely wretched, driven to 
acts of desperation, and many take away their own lives — 



APPENDIX B. 



237 



Bedlam is thronged with religious Maniacs, who have lost 
their reason, in consequence of a religious phrenzy. 

ISTot long since, we are credibly informed, three of those 
Pulpit Drummers in Stephentown, ISTew-York, not receiv- 
ing so much encouragement from their labours as what 
they expected, after one of their meetings, retired into a 
room as supposed by themselves, and agreed to deceive the 
people in the following manner. They were to have a meet- 
ing on the next night, and then one of them was to pray, 
and exhort until his audience, supposed him wholly exhaust- 
ed, and feign himself dead. The other two were to mourn, 
and bitterly weep for the death of their brother, and tell 
what a faithful servant he had been to his Lord ; that no 
doubt he had been the means of saving many precious Souls 
alive, and then attempt to reanimate him. It was accordingly 
attempted on . the next night, and this religious farce acted to 
the amazement of their hearers, when a young woman who 
had lain unperceived in the room all the while, and over- 
heard their diabolical scheme, exposed their conduct to the 
meeting, and they were obliged to quit the town. Reader is 
not this a species of Fanaticism, or something worse, and 
are not the Methodists then themselves Fanatics. 

We will now maLo some remarks on the Methodists, from 
their first coming to this Town. — Their followers have since 
said that they had some forebodings of their coming to this 
Town; "that they heard a singing down in the south, like 
the singing of birds, and but a little while before these 
Preachers came along!" They were moderate at first and 
seemed to chuse rather, to keep their peculiar Tenets to 
themselves, than otherwise — they gained a few Proselytes. 
By degrees, they grew more and more bold, they became 
noisy, and sometimes boisterous, they laid open their Tenets, 
and endeavoured to force a belief of them in the minds of 
their hearers, with all the false zeal, and ingenuity that they 
were masters of ; they denied at the first onset that there 



238 



APPENDIX B. 



was any such thing as original sin, "we have nought to do 
with it said one, any more than with the sable sons on the 
coast of Africa," they maintained a belief in free agency 
which Mr. Whitefield called the back door to Popery, denied 
any such doctrine as that of Election, and the final perseve- 
rance of the saints. That a person might die a christian or 
saint one day and be saved, and die a devil and be damned 
another. Some of the older and more sober part of the 
people, begun to be cautious of them, withdrew from their 
meetings and heard them no more. But they had erected 
what they called a Church in this place, and kept up their 
meetings at stated Periods. In general once a Fortnight, 
one of their Preachers came among them and delivered, as 
he termed it, a discourse ; tho for a course of years they 
have not much increased here as to their numbers! 

We have been told from one time and another, by them, 
of great reformations in other places. Particularly of late in 
New-York! That this should be a fact where one of their 
Preachers, with one or more concerned in the same plot, has 
been detected of one of the basest crimes, by a long series of 
villainy, practised on an unguarded Female, who u by his 
artful wiles," he had seduced and her reputation destroyed, 
and who has been prosecuted on a breach of promise, com- 
pelled to pay a fine of 600 dollars, besides a sentence of some 
months imprisonment for his most atrocious Villainy, seems 
a little extraordinary. People must be Lunatics indeed to 
commit their spiritual concerns into the hands of such men 
as these. 

They are full in the pretended belief also of evil spirits, 
apparitions and ghosts ; one of their Preachers, some time 
since while harranguing his flock in this place, told them as 
he was travelling the country, while once riding thro a 
swamp, on a dark dismal night, he heard a dreadful noise, 
and rustling among the leaves of the trees, when a Bird of an 
enormous size flew across the road before his Horse, and 



APPENDIX B. 



239 



shrieked out in these words "I am a damned Ghost/' and 
then disappeared. This he informed his audience " was a 
poor damned sinner, who had died in his sins, and was then 
roaring in Hell.' 1 Such frightful Chimeras and idle Tales, 
with many others, conjured up by the imagination, were 
continually imposed on their hearers for truths and received 
by many of them as such ; not doubting the veracity of Men 
who had assumed the character of Ministers of Christ and 
who had taken the sacred function upon them "for the good 
of Souls." They have been suffered to play on the imagina- 
tions of the weak and ignorant in this way ! They pretend 
to maintain the doctrine of sinless perfection: and some 
have imagined themselves to have already arrived to this 
state. One of their Church here, a Maiden Lady, has been 
tried, by their Wesleian standard, and proved to have not 
the least remains of sin about her! But such extravagant 
opinions is abominable, and religion is of too serious a nature 
to be thus trilled with. We could not wonder were they to 
strip themselves naked and lash each other thro our streets, 
as some deluded wretches have done in other countries, in 
order to expiate their crimes : this may be next, it is not im- 
probable ! many of their schemes are as wild and frantic. 
If any one should doubt of their Fanaticism, let him peruse 
their articles of faith and church discipline, and he will be 
convinced if not before. 

The preachers uniformly as observed put on a mournful 
forbidding countenance, are reserved and awkward in their 
manners, and are shy of all but their own Sect. It is with 
much difficulty that you can get them to converse upon their 
principles, at all when alone. But when in their Sentry 
Boxes fortressed by their own sect, they are not in the least 
abashed. Bold as Lions, their mouths are full of personal 
reflections, insults, and Anathemas; and they frequently be- 
spatter their audience with their filthy billingsgate language. 
But this has been attributed to their ignorance, or they 



240 



APPENDIX B. 



would have been presented with a Cat-o-nine tails, for their 
impudence before this, which they had otherwise justly 
merited. 

As to their religious Tenets, it is well known that they are 
of the Arminian kind ; had they lived in the days of Armi- 
nius they could not have been more completely his follow- 
ers ; they are Arminian s in every sense of the word ; a Phari- 
saical spirit is observable, in all that they say or do ! A 
sincere an<J liberal Clergyman after hearing several of their 
order, made the following strong and striking observation of 
them "had they as much grace as pride said he, I would go 
as far to hear them, as an Angel from Heaven !" 

In the famous religious stir as it was called in the year 
1740, or not long after while numbers were worked up to 
the highest pitch of enthusiasm, a different spirit from this 
then prevailed. They stood much in fear of a legal spirit in 
those days ! And in the town of New-London while once 
assembled on the Common for the purpose of burning their 
clothes, headed by a Mr. Davenport, which they actually 
then destroyed they agreed to part with all their self right- 
eousness, in exchange for the Preacher's Velvet Breeches ! 
This we think the Methodists would be loth to do. It is but 
justice, as we have mentioned the name of Mr. Davenport, to 
say that lie lived to see his errors, made a public retraction 
of them and died an honest man. One of their Order, has 
wholly abandoned them, and is now a sober Presbyterian 
Clergyman. We might relate many other anecdotes that 
would not accrue much to their advantage. But to trace 
them in all their wild Vagaries must require a volume. 

Some remarks on their proceedings at their Quarterly 
meeting now follow! This memorable day will not soon be 
forgotten by the good People of this City ! The Preachers 

that headed this motley gang were a Mr. Broadhead, 

their Elder Ostrander, Wood, and a little stripling 



APPENDIX B. 



241 



by the name of McLane, beside a large number of others 
who they called Class leaders, and public Exhorters. 

In depicting this scene, we fear least we fall short and not 
do that justice to this part of our subject which it deserves, 
we shall endeavour faithfully to state facts, and then leave 
the Reader to draw such inferences from those facts as he 
may in his own mind think fit and proper. It is impossible 
for any one but those who were present at the time, to form 
an idea of the confusion and disorder that reigned through- 
out the whole of this Meeting ! 

The Methodist brethren were notified some time before 
by their preachers of the day and accordingly set their Caps 
and Houses in order to receive them; they expected a large 
collection of the brethren from a great distance, and from all 
the neighboring Towns around where the Preachers had 
laboured and formed Societies ! The charity of the good 
Citizens of this place was had recourse to on the occasion, 
and they were called on to open their hearts and houses to 
entertain as many of them as they could without inconve- 
nience to their families. On the Saturday preceding, they 
came flocking in from all directions ; the streets for hours 
was filled with Horses, Men and "Women, together with 
Mulattoes and Negroes, in abundance. It is supposed that 
there were nearly 200 Communicants convened here on the 
occasion. 

Their Meeting opened on the afternoon of the same day, 
and tkeir Elder bellowed out a discourse to them with a 
voice like thunder. He gave them a short history of his own 
conversion and closed it with all the terrors of the burning 
Mount. This was to prepare their hearts for the ensuing 
Sabbath and had the desired effect — they began to show 
themselves in earnest, to shed tears, sob and groan, and cry 
aloud, many of them answered by repeated Amens; and 
others wrung their hands as tho in the agonies of despair. 

This confusion and tumult lasted for some time, and then 
11 



242 



APPENDIX B. 



the assembly were dismissed, and another appointed the 
same evening! This was termed a prayer meeting, that the 
Brethren and Sisters of the Church from different parts 
might thereby have an opportunity to show their various 
and multiplied gifts and they were well displayed ! This 
was a scene wherein the pencil of a Hogarth might have 
exhibited some of the most masterly touches! such distorted 
countenances and such lamentable groanings and outcries 
were new to us, as we had never seen or heard of the like 
kind before, some of their own Brethren in this place, stood 
like persons astonished ! and remained silent during the whole 
of this religious Puppet show where every fool acted his 
part, for we cannot call it by any better name. The little 
champion McLane here exerted all his powers and faculties 
to increase the religious Phrenzy that at this time prevailed 
and spread like wild fire among the Brethren. He attuned 
his voice to the highest pitch and drew his mouth into as 
many different postures and shapes as he could get it in, and 
extorted the cries of the brethren until they had drowned 
his own voice so that he could not be heard, and then sat 
down having accomplished his ends that the Brethren might 
rise in their turn, to appearance completely exhausted. But 
can any rational being, or any person except it be, a high 
flying Methodist, believe that religion consists in such feats 
as these ? Must a man draw his mouth out of all shape, and 
bellow like a bull, in order to become a Christian. Both 
reason and common sense say no, but if he become a Metho- 
dist this is the religious touch stone, whereby to determine 
him a child of God! some of the expressions made by this 
man, at the time were too dreadful to think of uttering in 
Print. And the aspersions which followed thrown out by 
the African, on the People of Norwich were such as might 
have been expected from an ignorant person of Colour, by 
herding with such a Company as theirs ! 

A "Love Feast" was observed the next morning at half 



APPENDIX B. 



243 



past seven o'clock. We shall just mention somewhat of this 
Feast, as it was of a singular kind. This feast was different 
from one related in the 22d chapter of Matthew. Here the 
doors were closed and none admitted but by a special note 
or a ticket signed by some one of the Elders of the Church. 
They were so critical as even to inform the Brethren that 
they must be there at the hour, or not be admitted at all ; 
and some of their own sect not being so punctual as what 
they had enjoined, thro perhaps some unavoidable delay, 
could not gain admittance, were excluded from the privileges 
of partaking of this Feast, and were obliged to tarry without 
the Doors, until the Ceremony was ended. As the writer 
had not the pleasure himself of being presented with a 
Ticket, he is not at liberty to say how or in what man- 
ner it was conducted. Tho from the noise within, heard 
by those who were without the Academy at the time, they 
were busily employed about something ! till the Love feast 
ended. 

The Audience were now admitted, and Broadhead their 
Elder gave them a second discourse and if possible more 
thundering still ! He roared, he stamped, he called aloud on 
the Sinner to desert the Devil's quarters, and try religion a 
while, if no longer, " come " said this thundering Fanatic 
"I'll engage that the Devil will take you again, if you chuse, 
at any time ! Ay I will be the devil's bondsman that he 
shall accept of you." What a religious Traffic is this ? Tre- 
mendous expressions, and could come from no one but a Mad 
Man or a Fool ! This is a refinement in Methodism unheard 
of before ! To bring souls to Jesus Christ to give them to 
the Devil ! Horrid ! ! 

While partaking of the sacramental institution, instead of 
order, the Hubbub but increased. The Females were lean- 
ing their Heads on each other ; their hair all dishevelled, and 
their Handkerchiefs unpinned ; and some of them in a swoon ! 
One young Girl was in Hysteric Fits, for an hour or more, 



244 



APPENDIX B. 



and when led out of the house and a Physician present told 
them they had hest give the young Woman some Motherwort 
Tea, she replied U I don't want any Motherwort tea, I am 
filled with the Love of Jesus " ! 

One circumstance we cannot forbear here to mention, it 
will serve to show how well bred these gentry are, and in 
what a polite style they often compliment their Audience ! 
Two very respectable Women of this place, of delicate habits 
had got very much frightened and proceeded to leave the 
House when their Elder gave a savage Yell- "My God stop 
those ungodly sinners before they drop into Hell " — Shame 
where is thy blush. 

In the after part of the day, after the Audience had a 
respite of an hour, they were convened to hear the remain- 
der of this religious Hallobolo. A Sermon was again pro- 
nounced ! and the noise and bustle begun. Their favorite 
Champion Ostrander now arose, and stormed like a Bedlam- 
ite ! The Brethren catched the same spirit, and the room 
trembled and shook as tho there had been an Earthquake ! 
They arose, and such cryings, shriekings, holy ravings, and 
incoherent bawlings, never struck our ears before ! Exhorta- 
tions, warnings, Prayers, were all blended in one ; " My God 
a little more faith" says one "my Jesus come" another, 
"Lord am I thy servant" a third "Now, now, now, for a 
little more power " a fourth, " O my God one grain of faith, 
we want more faith, we want one grain of faith more " and 
so on until many people were really frighted and some of 
the fair sex, who sat trembling all the while had nigh 
fainted. And many of the judicious part of the audience, 
pronounced them to be men insane more than under the 
influence of the spirit of God. The eyes of this Ostrander 
at the time, resembled the fierceness of a Tyger's, rather 
than a man's. 

Lion the well known Canterbury Zealot, and a great stick- 
ler in matters of religion, and who has formerly been a Sep- 



APPENDIX B. 



245 



aratist, now gave an exhortation in the genuine old fashioned 
new Light strain, that reminded the writer of the lines of 
Mr. Butler in his Geneva Ballad, who girds them for speak- 
ing thro' the nose. 

" To draw in Proselytes, like Bees, 
With pleasing twang, he tunes his prose, 
He gives h is handkerchief a squeeze, 
And draws religion thro 1 his nose." 

and while he drew the attention of the Audience, towards an 
aged sister, who in days past he had been joined with in the 
same Church, and exclaimed as he did, 44 Give me your hand 
sister, look at her, see how she looks, she looks as tho she 
would look death and hell out of countenance." We were 
convinced that he had not lost the old ancient spirit of New- 
lightism, or that he had not gained that much different by 
consorting with the Methodists. 

An evening's discourse in which the same species of dis- 
traction, that reigned thro the day predominated, concluded 
this holy Muster. The " Woods " Preacher is thanked for 
giving us the history of so notable a case, as the Man he had 
read of who had preached for eight years, and had never 
been converted. And who he " supposed a Presbyterian 
Clergyman." The Presbyterians and the Methodists perhaps 
had as well settled the point among themselves, as we are 
not very anxious to know to what particular Sect or Church 
he belonged. Whether he be a sober Presbyterian or a lank 
faced Methodist. 

A man by the name of Burroughs, and very Zealous, was 
one of the principal leading Exhorters in this meeting. 
44 Pray Mr. Burroughs, when was it, just after you had been 
detected in sending away Chestnut tree'd Saddles, or when, 
that you commenced Methodist Preacher." 

One young Convert cried out that 44 she had got the Keys 



246 



APPENDIX B. 



of Hell" and when the meeting closed as they were descend- 
ing the stairs, a Female accosted another of their order 
somewhat dark in her mind, and says to her "an't yoa 
ashamed to fall away from grace." This heing a favourite 
topic with them, it may serve to shew how well they are 
indoctrinated on this point. 

They are not in general fond of the spirit of Prophesy-— 
but one of their sect, a large heavy Woman, who they stile 
the " Elect Lady" took it upon herself to assume a spirit of 
Prophesy on the occasion. " To morrow " says she " I believe 
will be such a day as Norwich never saw before." The old 
Lady actually lived to see her Prophesy realized. 

Many of the Methodists, in this place, and some of their 
Preachers, on perusal of this Pamphlet, may probably say 
that the foregoing pages do not contain a true relation of 
their order. They may well be ashamed of the Picture, tho 
it be a good likeness of the Original. But Eeader ; these are 
facts as they occurred, without any colouring or disguise, and 
not in the least exaggerated. Most who hear them do not 
know what wild Enthusiasts they be. 

We have heard none that has joined to their Church of 
late except the G-ennessee Goldsmith ; and he the only one 
who has had the audacity to approbate their late proceed- 
ings. 

It is delightful to behold the visages of those of their pro- 
fession. Their faces are as long, many of them, as tho a 
Fifty-six were extended from their Chins. 

Their wild extravagances, and different grades of religious 
Enthusiasm may be traced in their Watch Nights, Classes, 
Bands and Love feasts : In England their conduct has been 
such, that the Populace instead of argument have had re- 
course to Bricks, Bats, and Stones, to shew their resentment 
of them, as the only alternative. 

We have now only to regret that one of their principal 
supporters here, has been so far led away by them. And 



APPENDIX B. 



247 



while the beams of civil and religious liberty are diffused 
abroad, the mass of superstition, and of error with which 
Christianity has long been shrouded, with all those doctrines 
degrading to human nature, must of course disappear, and a 
rational system of religion in its stead alone prevail. 



APPENDIX C. 



Members of North if. K 

Andrews, Delia. 
Avery, Lucy M. 
Beaumont, Ann. 

" Emma. 

" Erasmus. 

u Sarah. 

Beckwith, Adelaide. 
a 

Brewster, Patrick. 
Burchard, Ann M. 
Calkins, Susan E. 
Carpenter, James. 
Case r Elizabeth. 

" George. 

" Mary A. 

K Mary J. 

" Sarah E. 

" William T. 
Chapman, Harriet. 

" Sylvester. 
Douglas, Jane. 
i£ Leland. 



Church, January 1, 1867. 

Edgerton, Patty. 
Fargo, Mary A. 
Faster, Margaret. 
Fillmore, Annis. 

" Rev. C. D. 
Frazier, Eliza M. 
" Louisa. 
" Maria H. 
" Thomas M. 
Fuller, Chester. 

44 Mary. 
Gifford, Erin. 
Hood, Betsey. 
" Howell. 
" Louisa. 
Huntington, Cornelia. 

" Mary A. 
Hyde, Anna. 

" Solomon. 
Jennings, Almira. 
Kingsley, Lucy. 
" Mary P. 



APPEXDIX c. 



249 



Kingsley, Melissa. 

William L. 
Lamb, Xancy. 
Lathrop, Lucy. 

11 Sarah M. 
Latour, Eliza. 

" Robert F. 
Logan, Charles. 

" Mary. 
Maples, Hannah. 
Mars, Eunice S. 

u Maria. 
Paine, Eliza A. 
Robinson, Mary A. 
11* 



Rood, Betsey. 
Smith, Maria. 

" Prentice P. 
Standish, Erastus. 

Sarah. 
Tanner, Gilbert. 

" Melinda. 

" Mercy A. 
Yergason, Sarah E. 
Warren, Cyrene. 
Whear, Eliza D. 

" Rev. John. 
Wicker, George. 
Williams, Samuel. 



250 



APPENDIX C. 



Partial List of Deceased Members of North M. E. Church, 
January 1, 1867. 



" The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.'" 


Armstrong, Aaron. 


Hyde, Mrs. Jarvis. 


Calkins, George. 


Johnson, Minerva H. 


Carew, Sarah. 


Kmgsley, Eliza W. 


Caswell, Hannah. 


Lamb, Richard. 


" Sarah. 


" Mrs. Richard. 


Clement, Sarah. 


Manning, Joseph T. 


Edwards, Jacob. 


Maples, Betsey. 


Fillmore, Amaziah. 


" Joshua. 


" Harriet. 


" Joshua, Jr. 


" Elizabeth. 


Marshall, Freelove. 


" Jehiel. 


Parlvf <3 Silvn, 

JL (XL IV I o, kJX-l V dim 


" Harriet. 


Pratt, Sarah E. 


Gates, Gilbert. 


Rogers, Rhoda. 


Geer, Mary. 


Ruggles, Nancy. 


" Sarah, 


Thatcher, Rhoda. 


Giddings, John W. 


" feimon. 


Gilison, David. 


"Wallace, Eunice. 


Mrs. David. 


VVeller, Abby. 


Griswold, Mrs. Andrew. 


Williams, Maliala. 


Hyde, James. 


" Solomon. 


" Jar vis. 


" Mrs. Solomon. 


Members of the M. E. Church 


in Chelsea, June 11, 1812. 


Bentley, David K 


Butler, Nancy. 


" Letitia. 


Callyhan, Betsey. 


Boon, "Wealthy. 


" William. 


" William C. 


Champlin, Betsey. • 


Burdick, Lucy. 


Clement, Sarah. 



APPENDIX C. 



251 



Comstock, Mary. 
Davison. Abigail. 
Ewe a Lydia. 
Griffing, Jeremiah. 
Good, Sarah. 
Halping, Margaret. 
Herrick, Susan. 
Jeffers, Mary. 
Lamb, L. 



Maples, Desire. 
Pierce, Thankful. 
Prince. Lucy. 
Taber, Polly. 
Trapp, Hannah. 
Turner, Ann. 
Warren, Mary. 
Woodworth, Caleb. 
" Margaret. 



■ The Class-paper of 1818, containing the "Xanies of the 
members of the M. E. Church in Norwich Landing," fur- 
nishes the following list, Mr. Jeremiah Geiffixo being 
Leader, and Daytd N. Bextley Local Preacher: — 



Alsop, John.* 


Douglas, Dinah. 


Bentley, Anna. 


Dyer, Xancy. 


" Letitia. 


u OlnyM. 


Blakeley, Rhoda. 


Fowler, Betsey. 


Branch. Elisha. 


" John. 


" Mary. 


Geer, Clarissa. 


Brown, Anson. 


Green, Ann. 


Butler, Xancy. 


Griffing, Jeremiah. 


Cady, ShubaL 


Harris, Daniel 


" Wait 


u Ephraim. 


Callyhan, Betsey. 


" Maria. 


William. 


" Susan. 


C^amplin. Nancy. 


Hartshorn, Jemima. 


Coates, Joseph. 


Holt, Ann. 


" Sarah. 


" Betsey. 


Comsjock, Mary. 


" Maria. 


Cox, .John. 


Johnson, Amy, 


Daniel?;, George W. 


Latham, Sabra. 


11 Nancy. 


Lewis, Betsey. 


DaviuoD, Abigail. 


" Fanny. 



* Class Leader in 1319. 



252 



APPENDIX C. 



Lewis, Fanny K. 
Maples, Desire. 
McCrary, Lucretia. 
Palmer, Flora. 
Pierce, Thankful. 
Ramo, Manuel. 
Sherman, Susan. 
Summers, Clark. 



Taber, Mary. 
Taylor, Mary. 
Thurber, Luther. 
Tracy, Julia. 
Trapp, Hannah. 
Turner, Ann. 
Winchester, James. 
" Mary. 



Names of the "Norwich Landing Class" 1827. Mr. John 
Perry being Leader. 



Allen, Ira (Local Preacher). 


Frink, Marshall. 


Bailey, Emily. 


Geer, Mary. 


" Matilda. 


G-ifford, Susanna. 


Bentley, David N. 


Harris, Daniel. 


" Letitia. 


Hartshorn, Jemima. 


Butler, Nancy. 


Jewett, Harriet C. 


Cady, Shubal. 


King, Lucretia. 


" Wait. 


" Seth. 


Callyhan, Betsey. 


Kingsley, William. 


" William. 


Perry, Emeline S. 


Capron, Clarissa. 


" John B. 


u Ursula. 


Phillips, Esther. 


Carpenter, Dorcas. 


Reynolds, Ann. 


Corning, Hannah. 


" Asaph G. 


Crumb, Eliza. 


Setchel, Mary. 


Cutter, Samuel. 


Sherman, Abby. 


Davison, Abby P. 


" Eliza. 


" Abigail. 


Shoals, Nancy. 


" William P. 


Taylor, Lydia. 


Douglas, Dinah. 


Mary. 


Francis, Isaac. (L. Preacher.) 


Turner, Ann. 


" Mary. 


Winchester, James. 


French, Elizabeth. 


" Mary. 



APPENDIX C. 



253 



List of the Members of Norwich Falls No. 1 Class, 1827. 
Isaac Fkancis being Leader. 



Anderson, Maria. 
Armstrong, Phebe. 
Arnold, Ann. 
" Benjamin. 

Elijah. 
" Rebecca. 
" Phillis. 
Cranston, Hannah. 
Davis, Mary A. 
Edwards, Eunice H. 

44 Lois. 
Eldredge, Ann. 
Fletcher, Sarah. 

" William. 
Foster, Deborah. 

" Laban. 
Gardner, Ann. 
Godfrey, Benjamin. 
" Betsey. 
" Mrs. 
Helme, Ann. 

44 Mary. 
Ladd, Almira. 
11 Joanna. 
" Nancy. 



Lathrop, Eunice. 
" Jemima. 
" Josiah C. 
Lydia. 
Mary. 
Lawton, Ruth. 
Leach, Betsey. 
Marsh, Abby. 
Mix, Abigail. 
Parrish, Hiram. 

" Malinda. 
Perry, John. 
" Mary. 
" Mary. 
Rice, John. 

" Maria. 
Richards, Mary. 
Shephard, Sarah. 
Summers, Clark. 
Tuttle, Thankful. 
"Washburn, Israel. 

44 Sarah. 
Whaley, Eliza. 
Wilbur, Abby. 



Members of the Sachem Street M. E. Church, Jan. 1, 1867. 

Adams, Daniel T. Allen, Martha. 

41 Lucretia. 44 Sarah. 

Allen, Charles H. Annis, Mary A. 

" Frank. " William H. 



254 



APPENDIX C. 



Appleton, .Annie. 

" Henry. 
Archer, Mary. 
Atcherson, Elizabeth. 

" Robert. 
Babcock, James. 
" Joseph. 
" Susan T. . 
Bacon, Elizabeth A. 

" Harrison E. 
Barrows, Edwin S. 
" Mary. 
" Mary E. 
Beach, Lucy S. 
Bliss, Alvin B. 

" Austin. 
Bowers, John. 

" Maria. 
Brady, Clarissa. 
" John. 
" Mary A. 
Brown. Elizabeth J. 

" Mary. 
Burgoyne, Jane. 

" Margaret. 
Burke, Harriet M. 

" Horace E. 
Cady, Charlotte A. 

" Wait. 
Chapell, Caroline E. 
Chappell, Hannah. 
Cobb, Amos E. 
" Anna M. 
" Loyd M. 
" Phebe. 
Comins, Sarah G-. 
Congdon, Ann. 



Cross, Almira. 
Davison, William P. 
Dennis, Jared G. 
Douglass, Anna. 
Edwards, Lois. 
Farrington, Esther. 

" N. Emma. 
Fenton, Susan M. 

fi a 

Fletcher, Freeborn 0. 
" Sarah. 
" Susan. 
Foster, Deborah. 
Gardner, Henry R. 

" Sarah N". 
Gilson, Edward P. 
Goodrich, Leona. 
" Mattie. 
" Sarah A. 
Greenman, Rhoda. 

" William. 
Greenwood, Mary E. 
Griffin, Daniel. 

" Louisa D. 
Guy, Harriet. 
Halliday, John. 

11 Margaret. 
Hamilton, Hannah. 
" Louise. 
" William H. 
Hartley, Alfred H. 

" Lydia A. 
Heath, Mary. 
Hopkins, Amanda L. 
" Ann A. 

Charles W. 
" Samuel S. 



APPENDIX C. 



255 



Hopkins, Sarah. 
Howard, Edmund. 
" Ezra. 

Ruth. 
" Phebe. 
Hurlburt, Mary E. 

William. 
Jackson, Martha E. 
Ladd, Abbie. 

" Rufus M. 
Lamb, George. 

11 Louisa G-. 
Lampher, Cornelia. 
" Emily. 
" Hannah. 
" James C. 
" Lewis A. 
Sarah. 
Lamphere, Jane. 
" Jennie. 
11 Melissa. 
" William. 
Lewis, Cornelia J. 
" Emma. 
" Maxson P. 
Lossee, Elijah M. 

" Emily. 
Manning, Asa. 
Marsh, Abby. 

4 1 Frances. 
Martin, Sarah 0. 
McDavid, Catherine. 
Monroe, John. 
Molt, Jerusha. 
Palmer, Abner. 

" Sophia. 
Perry, Esther A. 
" Hylon N. 



Phillips, Agnes. 

" Annie. 

" Joseph H. 

" Lydia A. 

" Sarah A. 
Pitcher, Anna B. 

" Mary E. 
Rix, Mary. 

" Prentice A. 
Robinson, Elizabeth. 
Rogers, Harriet F. 

" Harriet M. 

11 James C. 

" William. 
Stead, Mary E. 
Spicer, Francis. 
Sterling, Catherine. 

11 John M. 
Subert, Sylvester. 
Thompson, Lucy A. 
Trask, Emeline E. 
Tree, Emma J. 
Upham, Adeline R. 

" Albert M. 

" Augusta. 

" Benjamin. 

11 Nehemiah. 
Welch, Hannah, 
Whitmore, Harvey. 

11 Prudence. 
Woodraansee, Charlotte. 

" William E. 
Woodward, Daniel J. 
Wyatt, Mary. 
Yeomans, Amanda. 

" George L. 

11 Isabel. 



256 



APPENDIX C. 



Partial List of Deceased Members of Sachem Street M. E. 
Church, January 1, 1867. 



"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no 
evil." 



Anderson, Maria. 
Bliss, Ann D. 
Bowers, Carrie. 
Dunham, Nancy. 
Fletcher, Joseph. 

" William. 
Hempstead, Thankful. 
Hopkins, Joseph 0. 

" Lydia P. 
Hurlburt, Eliza. 
Kimon, Joseph W. 
Ladd, Nancy. 
Lathrop, Eliza. 
Lester, Mary. 



Ferry, Sarah. 
Phillips, Elizabeth M. 
Robinson Franklin. 

" "Warren. 

" Warren Mrs. 

" Harriet. 

" Harriet. 
Sabin, Wealthy. 
Stedman, Frederick C. 
Thompson, Asa. 

" Rhoda. 
Welch, Henry. 
Willett, Prudence. 
Witter, Martha. 



List of the Original 

Allen, Elbridge G-. 

" Harriet. 
Arnold, Anna. 

" Rebecca P. 
Avery, Joseph. 

" Ruley. 

" Sarah. 
Babcock, Asenath. 

" Nancy. 
Benjamin, Hannah. 

" Lucy A. 
Bennett, Abraham. 



Members of the Main Street M. E. 
Church, 1836. 

Bentley, D. G. 

" David N. 

" Letitia. 
Bill, Frank. 
Bushnell, Sabra. 
Butler, Nancy. 
Callyhan, Betsey. 

" WiUiam. 
Case, Jane. 

" Sarah. 
Champlin, Rebecca. 
Chapell, Harriet. 



APPENDIX C. 



Chapman, Sarah. 
Clark, Andrew. 
" Martha, 
" Sophronia B. 
" Yashti. 
Cole, Betsey. 
Cook, Elizabeth. 
Covell, Thomas S. 

" Dorothy. 
Crandall, Mary C. 
Cranston, Chloe. 
" Hannah. 
" Richmond. 
Crawley, Hannah. 
Darling, Martha. 

11 Zipporah. 
Davison, Bathsheba, 
" Rosella. 
11 William P. 
Dean, Hannah. 
Denison, Abby. 
" Jesse B. 
Sarah. 
Dorchester, Mary. 
Dunbar, Nathan. 
Eggleston, Lucy. 
Fanning, Joseph. 
Fargo, Mary. 
Fay, Charles K. 
" Nahum. 
" Nahum, Jr. 
" Phebe. 
Fuller, Hannah. 

" Jesse. 
Gabriel, Mary R. (?) 
Geer, Clarissa. 
" Edna. 



Gile, Sarah. 
Gifford, Susan. 
Harkness, Frances A. 

" George P. 
Haywood, Nancy. 
Hempstead, Henry. 
Hernanden, Horace. (?) 
Hibbard, Eunice. 
Holdridge, Julia, 
Hopkins, Lydia, 

" Sarah. 

11 Joseph 0. 
Howell, Sarah A. 
Hubbard, Isabella, 
Hyde, Julia. 
Jennings, Christiana M. 

14 James. 
Livesey, Sarah. 
Logan, Caroline. 
Mallory, Lydia, 
Manning, Edward A. 
Man waring, Charles. 
Miller, Jemima. 
Moore, Abby. 
Newbury, Catherine. 
Perkins, Elizabeth. 

44 Hannah. 

11 John. 
Perry, Harriet. 

" John B. 
Pratt, Prudence. 
Prentice, Mary. 
Rathbun, Elias. 

" Sarah. 
Roath, Nancy. 
Roizinson, Betsey. 

" John A. 



258 



APPENDIX C. 



Robinson, Mary E. 
Rogers, Abby A. 
Sanders, Mary. 
Searl, Caroline. 
Setchell, Maria. 

u Mary. 
Shepard, Almira. 

" Henry. 
Smith, Mary. 
Standish, Frances. 

" John G. 
Starkweather, Roxana. 
Sterry, George C. 

" Robert. 

" Sarah. 
Swan, Sanford B. 



Taylor, Jane. 

11 Lydia. 

" Mary. 
Tourtelotte, James D. 
Tracy, Addison. 
Truman, Henrietta. 
" Henrietta F. 
" John. 
" Joseph B. 
Yaughan, Ariel. 
Warren, A. G. 
Wheatley, Eliza, 
Wilbur, Mary A. 
Willard, Elijah. 
Winchester, Mary. 
Yeomans, Susan M. 



Members of Main Street Church, January 1, 1867. 



Adams, Drusilla. 

" Henry. 
Allen, Catherine T. 

" Sarah E. 
Baker, Jane. 
Barnes, Emeline. 
Barrows, Jane R. 

Julia A. 
Bassett, Susan. 
Bentley, Betsey. 

" Rev. David N. 

" Rev. George R. 

" Sarah F. 
Bidwell, Ellen. 

" Rev. Ira M. 

" Nancy. 
Brown, Eliza. 



Buddington, Nancy. 
Burdick, Mary. 
Campbell, John. 
Capen, Temperance. 

" Philip A. 
Carter, Samuel. 
Chapman, Elizabeth. 
" Emily. 
44 Enoch C. 
" William R. 
Church, Eliza A. 
" Harriet. 

Colburn, . 

Cox, John Q. 
" Mary. 
" William H. 
Crocker, Sarah. 



APPENDIX C. 



259 



Crosby. Hiram. 

" Nancy. 
Crowell, Mary. 

11 Zadok C. 
Culver, Mary E. 
Davis, Calista K. 

" Samuel A. 
Derby, Mary. 
Drake, David. 
Edwards, Harriet. 
Fellows, Elizabeth A. 

44 Eunice H. 

44 Joshua E. 
Gale, Anna. 
Gile, Eliza A. 

44 Sarah. 
Hall, William. 
Hazen, Betsey N. 
Herrick, Charlotte. 
Hill, Susan. 
Hiscox, Jane L. 
Holmes. John. 

44 Mary A. 

44 Robert. 

44 Thomas. 
Jackson, Cynthia. 
Jennings, Christiana. 

44 James. 
Johnson, James X. 
Kendall, John. 

44 Joanna. 
Kingsley, Adeline E. 
44 Avalina. 
44 Augustus W. 
44 Charles. 
Kinne, Eliza. 

44 Joel S. 



Knapp, Christine. 
Latham, Caroline. 
Lath r op, Abby W. 
Lavender, Mary J. 
Leffingwell, Ella. 

44 George. 

" Sarah T. 

Leonard, Sarah M. 

Lippitt, Costello. 

44 Emma A. 

Lois. 

Lucas, Mary. 
it n 

Luther, 



Mallory, George. 
Marden, John W. 

44 Linnie J. 
Mason, James A. 
Maynard, Emeline. 
Mitchell, John. 
J. D. 
Myra S. 
Newton, Julia. 
Palmer, Amand M. 

44 Robert M. 

44 Roxana. 

44 William B. 
Park, Rev. Albert F. 
Pease, Nancy H. 
Peckhara, Emeline. 
Pendleton, David. 
Pollard, William H. 
Price, Sarah M. 
Roath, Clarissa N. 

44 Henry A. 
Rogers, Mary. 
Smith, Emeline. 



260 



APPENDIX C. 



Standish, Nathan. Ward, Frances. 

" Abby. Winship, Phila. 

Staples, Abby. Williams, Eliza. 

Toomey, David. Wilson, Elizabeth E. 

Eliza G. Wood, Sarah C. 

Thatcher, Frances L. Woodworth, Mary. 

Troland, Archibald. Yeomans, Harriet M. 
Walker, Eunice A. 



APPENDIX C. 261 



Deaths in the Main Street M. E. Church, to Jan. 1, 1867. 



"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord." 


Allen, Elbridge G. 


Jennings, John. 


" Harriet. 


Kendall, Mary. 


Alverson, John. 


Kingsley, Olive. 


Andrews, Zephaniah. 


Lampher, Joshua. 


Baker, Sarah. 


Meech, Mercy B. 


Barnes, John. 


Mitchell, Thomas. 


Bentley, Arabella. 


McClellan, Hannah. 


" David G. 


North, Phillip. 


" Elizabeth H. 


Osborn, Betsey. 


" Letitia. 


Palmer, Robert M. 


-r>_ i ir t» 

Beach, Mercy B. 


Parrish, Susan. 


Brewster, Lucinda P. 


Peckam, George. 


Burnham, Albert. 


Perkins, Eliza. 


Butler, Nancy. 


" John. 


Callyhan, William. 


Roath, Clarissa. 


Clark, Andrew. 


" Clarissa N. 


Cleaveland, Anna. 


11 Jabez. 


Corning, Amasa. 


Rose, Alvina C. 


Crawley, Hannah. 


Sears, Caroline. 


Culver, " 


Setchell, Mary. 


Dorchester, Mary S. 


Shepard, Eliza A. 


Downer, Elizabeth B. 


Shields, Jane. 


Ellis, Sarah. 


Smith, Thomas M. 


Pay, Nahum. 


" Sarah. 


Puller, Jesse. 


Staunton, Ralph B. 


Geer, Clarissa. 


" Sophronia. 


Gibson, Prudence. 


Taylor, Mary. 


Gleason, Alfred. 


Thompson, Susanna. 


Godfrey, Benjamin. 


Troland, Elizabeth. 


" Elizabeth. 


Truman, Henrietta. 


Gr is wold, Ann. 


Warren, Mary. 


Hall, Emeline. 


Wells, Frances. 


Haywood, Nancy S. 


White, Emeline. 


Hill, Edwin. 


Wilbur, Mary A. 


Hyde, Philip R. 


Winchester, Mary. 


Hyde, Sarah E. 


Yale, Lydia. 


Jackson, Lavina. 





262 



APPENDIX C. 



Members of the Greenville M. E. Church, Feb. 25, 1845. 



Aldridge, B. H. 
Babcock, Asenath. 

" James. 

" Nancy. 

" Susan. 
Balch, Ahimaaz. 

" Eliza. 
Baldwin, Lucian. 
Banning, Losetta. 
Barker, Sarah. 

" Silas. 
Beach, Philotheta. 
Benjamin, Ann. 

" Prudence. 
Bennett, Betsey. 

" Frances C. 

" Mary S. 
Bill, William. 
Brady, John G-. 

" Tryphena. 
Brewster, Betsey. 

" Park M. 
Bushnell, Benjamin. 

" Frances. 
Button, Sabra. 
Clark, Clarissa. 
" Henry C. 
" Keturah. 
Coates, Edward. 
Cole, Betsey. 

" Frederick. 
Cranston, Hannah. 
Culver, Jerusha. 

" Susan. 



Dickinson, Cynthia. 
Edwards, Ariel. 

" Clarinda. 
Gardner, Elizabeth. 

Mary L. 
Oreenman, Rhoda E. 

11 William. 
Hill, Elisha. 

" Mary. 
Holmes, Catherine. 
Howe, Olive. 
Johnson, Hannah. 

" Mary E. 
Kinne, Elsey. 
" Joel S. 
" Osborn. 
Lamphere, Calvin. 
" Emily. 
" Hannah. 

Julia. 
u Lucinda. 
Loramore, Samuel G. 
Maynard, Elsey. 
11 Jesse. 
" Lena. 
McCandles, Azubah. 
McRoby, Maria. 
Obernauer, Margaret. 

" Martin. 
Paine, Cynthia. 
Palmer, Eliza. 
" James A. 
" Levi. 
" Mary. 



APPENDIX C. 



263 



Palmer, Nathan. 

44 Pardon. 
Phebe. 

" Sarah. 
Partridge, George H. 
Perkins, John R. 
Phillips, Joseph H. 

11 Lydia. 
Polly, Keriah. 
Prentice, Amy. 

" Sanford. 
Ramsford, Harriet E. 
Roath, Nancy. 
Rogers, Charles. 

11 Mary. 
Roswell, Olive. 
Sisson, Cynthia. 

11 Julia A. 
Sherman, Ariel. 



Members of Greenville If. E. 

Albro, Ettie. 

" Frank. 

" Susan P. 
Anderson, Ann. 

u George. 
Arnold, Elijah. 

1{ Henry. 
Avery, Elizabeth, 
Babcock, Nancy. 
Bacon, Caroline. 
Bailey, Eliza. 
Bary, Ann E. 
Bradbury, Charles. 
M James. 



Sherman, John. 

" Lucinda. 
Stead, Jane A. 

" Owen. 
Swift, Samuel W. 
Thatcher, Hannah. 
Thompson, Asenath. 
" Ephraim H. 
" Susan. 
Trueman, Joseph B. 
Walden, Amanda. 
"Walker, Eunice. 
"Wilbur, Almira. 
John. 
" Louisa. 
" Samuel. 
"Wilkinson, Angeline. 

" Hannah C. 
"Willard, Prudence. 



Church, January 1, 1867. 

Brewster, Albert. 

11 Clara. 
Clark, Ella J. 
Cole, Matilda C. 
Cook, Frederick N. 

" Isabella L. 
Cranston, Hannah. 
Cushman, Caroline D. 

>l Clarissa L. 
Dieter, John "W. 

" Emily J. 
Dyer, Phebe A. 
Dyson, Joseph. 
" D. 



264 



APPENDIX C. 



Dyson, Robert. 
Foster, Fannie S. 
Gallup, Fannie. 
Greene, Alzada, 
Handall. Louisa C. 
Harris, "William. 

" Ellen N. 
Hawkins, Betsey B. 
Hewlett, James F. 

Jane H. 
Holmes, Mary A. 
Jennings, Elizabeth. 
King, Emily E. 
Lamphere, Lucinda B. 
Lathrop, David D. 

" Mary J. 
Lee, Henry P. 

" Mary. 
Marsh, Martha A. 
McLyman, James. 

" Betsey A. 
Miner, Charles H. 
Norris, David A. 

" John H. 

" Eliza M. 
01m stead, Sarah. 
Palmer, William C. 



Parkhurst, Eldora. 
Perkins, Charles. 

" Emma A. 
Perry, Clarissa. 

" Elisha. 
Potter, Emeline. 
Rathburn, Amy. 
Eawlinson, William. 
Richards, Mary. 
Sherman, Marietta A. 
Smith, Emily. 

" Eliza, 
Stead, Jane A. 

" Owen. 
Teft, John K. 
Titcomb, Isabella. 
Thompson, Susan. 
Walker, Eunice. 
Welch, Eunice. 
Welden, Fannie L. 

" Jane G. 
Wilbur, John. 

" Mary E. 

" Asenath. 
"White, Ellen. 
Yerington, Margaret. 



APPENDIX c. 265 



Decerned Members of Greenville M. E. Church. 



"I go to prepare mansions for yon." 


Alexander, K. 


Newcomb, Elizabeth. 


Arnold, Mary A. 


Obenauer, Catherine. 


Batty, Frances. 


" Isabella. 


Bennett, Betsey. 


Palmer, Levi. 


Clark, Keturah. 


Prentice, Sanford. 


Cole, Betsey. 


Scholfield, Hannah. 


" Erastus. 


Sherman, John. 


" Frederick. 


Smith, Angeline. 


Culver, George. 


Taylor, Jane G. 


Gardner, Elizabeth. 


Wilbur, Almira. 


Kinne, Osborn. 


" Louisa. 


Manwarring, Mary A. 


u Samuel. 


Maynard, Sena. 


Wilson, Jessie. 


" Elsey. 





Members of the Free Church, January 1, 1867. 



Bentley, Clarissa A. 


Culver, Roselle R. 


Braman, Henry J. 


" William. 


Brown, David. 


Davis, Emma M. 


" Henry K 


" Francis. 


" Maria A. 


Day, Mary J. 


Burnap, Lyman. 


Draper, Augusta A. 


" Sarah A. 


Eldredge, David P. 


Carrier, Sarah. 


" Phebe A. 


" Titus. 


Ellis, Samuel. 


Chase, Catherine. 


Enos, Ellen. 


" Eliza. 


" Joshua J. 


" Stephen. 


Foster, Olive E. 


Com stock, A. S. 


Francis, Angeline. 


Mary A. 


Ferguson, J. A. 


12 





266 



APPENDIX C. 



Gardner, Eliska M. 
Ella W. 
M Guy E. 
" Jennie M. 
" Maria. 
" Ulysses S. 
Gates, Jane M. 
Green, George W. 
" Rebecca J. 
" Sabina. 
Hazard, Mary. 
Hebard, Elizabeth. 
H. 

Hibbard, George. 
Holmes, Emelia. 
Jacobs, Maria L. 
Kenney, Achsah A. 
Kimball, Delia. 
Kingsley, Augustus W. 
Leach, Henry W. 
Lippitt, Harriet A. 
Loomis, Abigail. 

" Jane. 
Miller, A. J. 
Morey, Caroline A. 
Mulkey, John B. 
Myers, Malvina. 
Owen, Rhoda. 
Palmer, Julia A. 

" Roswell. 
Patrick, Ellen A. 
Pierce, Elmore W. 

" Mary E. 



Price, Elizabeth. 

" Sarah R. 
Reynolds, Janette. 
Richardson, Ann H. 

" Russell. 
Richie, Lucy P. 
Roath, Nancy. 
Ross, Nettie. 
Smith, Frank. 
Spcer, Francina. 

" Sarah. 
Stanton, Jane G. 
Stock well, Martha S. 
Teft, Caroline. 
Torbush, Chloe. 
Treadway, Martha C. 
Troland, James. 

11 John. 

" Louisa M. 
Truman, Joseph B. 
Yanname, Mary. 
"Walden, Mary. 

" Sarah. 
Waterman, Betsey. 
Weeks, Cornelia. 

" Joseph. 
Welch, Hannah. 
Wetmore, Almira J. 
" George S. 
" Mary J. 
Wick son, Louisa. 
Williams, William. 



APPENDIX C. 



207 



Decerned Memlers of the Free Church, January 1, 1867. 



Lay and local members of several Fourth Quarterly 
Conferences, beginning with that of May 28, 1842, held at 
the Landing. The union of the respective M. E. Churches of 
Norwich in Quarterly Conference commenced September 8, 
18-41. The list will contain only those present at session. 

1841. — (as Conference year.) 

David X. Bentley, Local Eider. 
William Callyhan, Leader and Steward. 
J. G. Standish, Exhorter. 
R. Cranston, Leader. 
J. Fuller, " 

E. A. Manning, " 

F. Coles, " 
0. Beckwith, " 
A. Manning, " 

J. Barnes, Steward. 

J. G. Brady, 

A. E. Cobb, 

J. B. Perry, " 

J. G. Dennis, " 

D.J.Woodward, M 

1842. — David X. Bentley, Local Elder and Steward. 

William Callyhan, Leader and Steward. 
James Jennings, ;{ 



u There shall be no more death." 



Andrus, Maria. 
Avery. Hannah. 
Abby. M. 



Lyman, Fannie. 
Norcross, Emma. 
Stanton, Lydia. 
Thompson, Mary L, 
Wetmore, Emelia. 



Carrier, A Ivan C. 
Hibbard. Eunice S. 



APPENDIX C. 



Frederick Coles, Leader. 

Oliver Beckwith, " 

William Trench, " 

Jesse Fuller, Steward. 

John Perkins, " 

Caleb Pratt, " 

James L. Smith, Local Preacher. 

1843. — David N. Bentley. Local Elder and Steward. 

Albert F. Park, Local Preacher. 

John G. Standi sh, " " 

Joseph Kimon, Exhorter and Leader. 

James L. Smith, " 

J. A. Adams, " 

F. Coles, Leader. 

Richmond Cranston, " 

John Sherman, " 

J. B. Truman, " 

J. Q. Cox, 

John Perkins, " and Steward. 

William Callyhan, " 
Jesse Fuller, " 
John Barnes, " 

1 844. — David N. Bentley. 

Jesse Fuller. 
R. Cranston. 
J. Barnes. 
J. Perkins. 
J. Q. Cox. 
J. B. Truman. 
F. Coles. 
Samuel Wilbur. 
J. B. Perry. 
Joshua Maples. 
E. A Manning. 
J. Kimon. 



APPENDIX C. 



269 



A. W. Smith. 
J. G. Stan dish. 
0. Beckwith. 
D. J. Woodward. 
George Case. 

1845. — D. X. Bentley. Local Elder. 

J. G. Standish, k ' Preacher. 
0. Beckworth, 44 4 4 

F. S. Hoyt, 
J. W. Fuller. 
J. B. Perry. 
A. E. Cobb. 

D. J. Woodward. 
J. Fuller. - 

J. Barnes. 
R. Cranston. 

E. M. Calkins. 
N. Siaodish. 
W. Callvhan. 
J. Perkins. 

Daniel Dorchester, Jr.. Exborter. 
J. Kimon, Exhorter. 

1846. — Third Quarterly Conference of the year. 

D. 2n. Bentley, Local Preacher. 
J. Kimon, u 44 

Daniel Dorchester, Jr., Exhorter. 
L. D. Bentley, 44 

D. J. Woodward. 
J. B. Perry. 

A. Ladd. 

G. Case. 

T. K Frazier. 

E. G. Allen. 



270 



APPENDIX C. 



This Quarterly Conference was divided at the commence- 
ment of 1849, Main St. and Greenville forming one, and 
Sachem St., North, and Franklin, &c, the other Quarterly 
Conference. Sachem St. M. E. Church held separate sessions 
from June 4, 1856, inclusive. Main St. from July 5, 1850? 
inclusive. 






^> Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process 
V* « Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: May 2006 

PreservationTechnologies 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 

1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 
(724) 779-2111 



A 



o 0 " ° <• ^ 




-V c <> " e < ' 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




